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A number of triumphs send twofold significance in the statement they broadcast. Within the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will echo longest across the globe. Not merely the final score, but the way the style of achievement. To claim that the Springboks shattered several widely-held theories would be an modest description of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to certain victory. Despite missing their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had ample resources to contain the strong rivals under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their reputation as a side who more and more save their best for the toughest scenarios. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are developing but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could easily have faltered. As it happened they simply united and began pulling the demoralized home team to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his hundredth Test, the team leader, the flanker, once again highlighted how several of his squad have been needed to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The insightful David Flatman also made an perceptive observation on television, proposing that his results more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the coach has revitalized a possibly veteran roster has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the French windows. And also the scrum-half, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an more acute vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their limp finish. The wing's second try in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the English team's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above most the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals returning to the side. In the pack, similarly, familiar faces should return from the start.

However everything is relative, in competition as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest