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A number of triumphs carry twofold significance in the message they communicate. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate longest across the globe. Not merely the final score, but equally the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa demolished various comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to assumed success. That even without their star man their captain, they still had ample resources to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the conclusion, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – given a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could might well have lost their composure. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and began dragging the disheartened French side to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how several of his team have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would similarly continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on television, stating that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an object lesson to other teams.

Young Stars

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a prime instance. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a side with significant talent, without their star man.

However, that in the end was insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Overcoming an improving Fiji posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the fixture that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the team selection, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should return from the start.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest