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Certain wins deliver double significance in the message they broadcast. Among the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but also the manner of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished several comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the notion, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into assumed success. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had sufficient resources to contain the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are developing but, by the conclusion, the encounter was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they merely united and proceeded to dragging the deflated French side to what a retired hooker called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how many of his team have been required to rise above life difficulties and how he wished his squad would likewise continue to motivate fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an shrewd comment on sports media, stating that his results increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the coach has revitalized a potentially ageing squad has been an object lesson to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally the scrum-half, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the far side was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, without Dupont.

However, that in the end was not enough, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of competing with the world's top team with high stakes.

European Prospects

Beating an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in February.

Next Steps

Thus the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals returning to the team. In the pack, in the same way, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

But context is key, in sport as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest