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Certain wins deliver double weight in the statement they convey. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the end result, but the way the manner of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks overturned various widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to keep the big beasts safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. After being trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their status as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, this was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Erasmus's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have faltered. As it happened they just circled the wagons and began taking the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his players have been needed to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to motivate others.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive observation on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements more and more make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. In case they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a experienced roster has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the home defense. Or the scrum-half, another backline player with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a side with considerable ability, without their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which really is a humbling reality for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on the weekend although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and far superior than losing them late on – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

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