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Certain wins carry dual importance in the statement they convey. Among the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will linger longest across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but also the approach of success. To say that South Africa shattered various comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup elimination. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to contain the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their status as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest scenarios. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, here was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are emerging but, by the conclusion, the encounter was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have faltered. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and proceeded to taking the deflated French side to what one former French international called “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the immense frames of the lock pairing to honor his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, repeatedly highlighted how many of his squad have been required to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to motivate people.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd point on broadcast, stating that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. And also Grant Williams, a second backline player with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Naturally it helps to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the home side were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that occupied the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a team with notable skill, despite missing their star man.

However, that in the end was insufficient, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the English team's strong finish, there is a distance to travel before the England team can be confident of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the match that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the final nails and question marks still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would seem several changes are expected in the matchday squad, with key players coming back to the lineup. Among the forwards, in the same way, familiar faces should all be back from the outset.

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