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A number of triumphs carry dual significance in the message they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will resonate longest across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but the way the style of achievement. To claim that South Africa overturned various established beliefs would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for example, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an extra man would translate into certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their reputation as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest scenarios. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a declaration, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. Without the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have faltered. Instead they simply united and set about dragging the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to honor his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly stressed how several of his squad have been required to rise above life difficulties and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on broadcast, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 the newcomer who darted through for the closing score that decisively broke the home defense. Or Grant Williams, a second half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a team who can also move with agility and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the hallmarks of a side with notable skill, without their star man.

Yet that turned out to be inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still surround England’s optimal back division. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would seem several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, regular starters should return from the outset.

However everything is relative, in competition as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest