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Some victories send dual significance in the statement they convey. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but the way the approach of achievement. To claim that South Africa shattered various established theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their standing as a side who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, the coach's experienced front eight are beginning to make all other teams look laissez-faire by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their moments over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience driving it all. Without the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they merely united and set about pulling the demoralized boys in blue to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again stressed how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his team would in the same way continue to inspire people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd point on television, stating that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker the rising star who darted through for the closing score that decisively broke the home defense. Or the scrum-half, a further half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

However, that in the end was inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite the English team's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still surround the English side's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the outset.

But perspective matters, in rugby as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest