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Certain wins deliver dual weight in the message they communicate. Amid the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate longest across the globe. Not merely the final score, but also the style of success. To suggest that South Africa shattered various comfortable theories would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a squad who consistently save their best for the most challenging situations. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but did not have the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could potentially lost their composure. Instead they just circled the wagons and began taking the disheartened home team to what one former French international called “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the immense frames of the lock pairing to celebrate his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, once again highlighted how a significant number of his players have been obliged to rise above life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to inspire people.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute comment on sports media, stating that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a second backline player with lightning acceleration and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it is beneficial to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that occupied the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a team with considerable ability, despite missing their captain.

However, that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a humbling reality for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the English team's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a gap to close before the national side can be assured of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, especially missing their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the killing points and uncertainties still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is all very well ending matches well – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a close result over France in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the importance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the team. Among the forwards, in the same way, familiar faces should all be back from the outset.

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