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A number of triumphs carry twofold importance in the lesson they convey. Amid the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not just the final score, but also the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks shattered a number of comfortable beliefs would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to keep the powerful opponents under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their reputation as a side who increasingly save their best for the most demanding situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a statement, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the last half-hour. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the mental strength supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have lost their composure. Instead they simply united and proceeded to pulling the deflated boys in blue to what an ex-France player described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly emphasized how many of his squad have been obliged to rise above life difficulties and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to inspire others.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd observation on television, proposing that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, a second half-back with blistering pace and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's second try in the far side was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a side with notable skill, without Dupont.

But even that turned out to be insufficient, 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 South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s last-quarter improvement, there still exists a gap to close before the national side can be assured of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

European Prospects

Defeating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on match day although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a step ahead most the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars coming back to the team. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should all be back from the start.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in existence. From now until the next global tournament the {rest