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Some victories carry dual importance in the lesson they convey. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but equally the manner of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks shattered a number of comfortable theories would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the idea, for example, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in certain victory. That even without their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their standing as a team who increasingly save their best for the most demanding circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could might well have faltered. Instead they merely united and proceeded to dragging the deflated French side to what an ex-France player referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his squad have been needed to overcome off-field adversity and how he aspired his team would likewise continue to encourage people.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran squad has been an object lesson to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. And also the scrum-half, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is remarkable.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that engaged the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, without Dupont.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which is a sobering thought for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's strong finish, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a cut above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and question marks still apply to England’s optimal back division. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Future Prospects

Therefore the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are expected in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should return from the outset.

However perspective matters, in competition as in life. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest