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Some victories deliver dual significance in the statement they convey. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but equally the manner of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks demolished a number of established assumptions would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. Despite missing their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a team who consistently save their best for the most demanding scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are beginning to make opposing sides look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have faltered. As it happened they simply united and proceeded to taking the demoralized home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to mark his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how many of his squad have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to inspire others.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute point on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing squad has been an object lesson to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a further backline player with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the characteristics of a side with significant talent, even in the absence of their captain.

Yet that in the end was not enough, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the English team's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the team. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

However perspective matters, in competition as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest