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Some victories send double importance in the statement they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo most profoundly across the globe. Not just the final score, but equally the approach of achievement. To say that the Springboks overturned several widely-held theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to keep the big beasts safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory before time. After being trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their status as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, here was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the recent fixtures but did not have the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they just regrouped and began pulling the demoralized home team to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of two key forwards to mark his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again stressed how many of his team have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The insightful an analyst also made an shrewd point on sports media, proposing that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the smart way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that effectively shattered the home defense. Additionally the scrum-half, a second backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it helps to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were completely dominated, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a team with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that ultimately proved not enough, which is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the side. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should return from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. From now until the next global tournament the {rest