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A number of triumphs carry dual significance in the statement they convey. Amid the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not only the end result, but equally the approach of victory. To suggest that the Springboks shattered various widely-held assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into assumed success. Despite missing their star man their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their status as a side who more and more save their best for the toughest situations. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are starting to make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the French pack to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they merely united and proceeded to dragging the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his team have been needed to rise above life difficulties and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd observation on television, proposing that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Consider his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the late try that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, a second backline player with blistering pace and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is remarkable.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that engaged the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a team with considerable ability, despite missing their captain.

Yet that turned out to be not enough, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a cut above almost all the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the starting lineup, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the start.

But context is key, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest