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Certain wins deliver twofold weight in the message they convey. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the globe. Not only the final score, but the way the approach of victory. To claim that the Springboks overturned several comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. Despite missing their star man their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a side who increasingly save their best for the most challenging situations. 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 even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams both had 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 final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the mental strength supporting it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have become disorganized. Instead they just united and began taking the deflated home team to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how many of his players have been required to conquer personal challenges and how he wished his side would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The perceptive an analyst also made an astute comment on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements more and more make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the coach has revitalized a potentially ageing roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his young playmaker the rising star who sprinted past for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally the scrum-half, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their fading performance. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

However, that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there is a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a step ahead almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were especially culpable of not finishing off the killing points and question marks still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a close result over France in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are likely in the team selection, with established stars returning to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the outset.

But everything is relative, in competition as in reality. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest