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Some victories carry dual importance in the lesson they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger longest across the globe. Not just the final score, but also the approach of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks overturned a number of comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for example, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would translate into inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their status as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are coming through but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could potentially faltered. Instead they merely united and began pulling the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again emphasized how many of his squad have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on sports media, stating that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. In case they come up short, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced roster has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. And also the scrum-half, a further half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. The wing's second try in the far side was a clear example. The forward dominance that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with notable skill, even in the absence of Dupont.

However, that in the end was not enough, which truly represents a humbling reality for competing teams. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Overcoming an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the final nails and question marks still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would seem various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with key players coming back to the lineup. Among the forwards, in the same way, first-choice players should be included from the start.

But context is key, in competition as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest