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A number of triumphs deliver double importance in the lesson they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not merely the conclusion, but also the style of achievement. To claim that South Africa shattered several widely-held beliefs would be an modest description of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in certain victory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a side who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most challenging situations. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a message, here was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are starting to make all other teams look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have lost their composure. Instead they simply regrouped and set about dragging the deflated French side to what a retired hooker described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly emphasized how several of his team have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he wished his team would likewise continue to motivate people.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on television, proposing that his results more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran squad has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who darted through for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally another half-back, another half-back with blistering pace and an keener ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it helps to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that France were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the characteristics of a team with notable skill, without their captain.

However, that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the red rose's late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be certain of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a step ahead most the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of not finishing off the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the English side's perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear several changes are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. In the pack, in the same way, first-choice players should return from the start.

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