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Some victories carry twofold weight in the lesson they convey. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will echo longest across the globe. Not only the end result, but also the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa shattered several established assumptions would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a small margin and an extra man would lead to certain victory. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had more than enough resources to contain the strong rivals under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who consistently save their best for the most challenging circumstances. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a message, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their promising spells over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed France to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could might well have faltered. As it happened they merely regrouped and set about taking the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player called “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how a significant number of his team have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he aspired his side would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd point on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the intelligent way in which the coach has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an exemplary model to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. And also the scrum-half, another backline player with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the right corner was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that occupied the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of Dupont.

However, that ultimately proved not enough, which is a sobering thought for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the English team's strong finish, there is a gap to close before the national side can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Defeating an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are not invincible, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a level above most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would seem several changes are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the lineup. In the pack, likewise, familiar faces should be included from the outset.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest