The northern hemisphere tour was always going to be about finding answers for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. After Saturday's victory over England he found several.
Winning 31-28 at Twickenham, to stretch the Boks' 12-game undefeated sequence over England, highlighted South Africa as serious World Cup contenders.
Although talk of the tour being the beginning of World Cup 2015 preparation two weeks ago gave way to "it's still a long way to go" after the 29-15 defeat to Ireland, there was a feeling this game was vital with an eye on next year.
Meyer admitted as much afterwards, especially as he watched his side give up a 20-6 lead before responding positively to surge to victory.
"We were clinical and took the right decisions but then they came back at us and tested our character. They came back with two tries from nowhere, but you need that test because it's going to be like that in the World Cup."
Cobus Reinach all but assured himself one of the three scrumhalf berths for the World Cup with a brilliant display that starkly highlighted François Hougaard's deficiencies.
Pat Lambie also advanced his cause to be the long-term starting flyhalf with another calm display.
He made the odd mistake, but, when his team needed him most, he took control with a cool drop-goal three minutes from time.
"The call was to drive the lineout, but in the slippery conditions it was tough to put phases together," Lambie said.
"But we did really well and I sensed that the time was right to close the game out."
Meyer lauded both Reinach and Lambie. "Cobus was superb. He controlled the game in difficult, wet conditions even though he was making his first Test start.
"He was a revelation at nine. Pat's always played well for us end of year, specifically in this weather. Although he's only 24, he's played almost 40 Test matches," the coach said.
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