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A number of triumphs send dual significance in the lesson they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but equally the approach of success. To claim that the Springboks demolished several established theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the notion, for instance, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had ample resources to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a squad who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a message, now came clear demonstration that the leading international squad are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the home side to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are coming through but, by the conclusion, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – given a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they just circled the wagons and set about pulling the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how many of his squad have been needed to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an shrewd point on sports media, stating that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has revitalized a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to everyone.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. Or another half-back, another backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it is an advantage to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a side with significant talent, even in the absence of Dupont.

However, that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's strong finish, there is a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on Saturday although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, particularly without their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead almost all the home unions.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and question marks still apply to England’s ideal backline blend. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the side. Among the forwards, likewise, first-choice players should return from the outset.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest