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Some victories carry dual importance in the statement they broadcast. Amid the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but the way the style of victory. To claim that South Africa shattered a number of comfortable beliefs would be an modest description of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off ended up registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their reputation as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, now came clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the last half-hour. Some promising young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, the match was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without their lock forward – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could easily have become disorganized. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and proceeded to taking the deflated home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to mark his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the flanker, yet again highlighted how many of his squad have been required to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an perceptive observation on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. And also Grant Williams, a further half-back with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's later touchdown in the wing area was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing Dupont.

However, that in the end was not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the English team's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a step ahead most the European sides.

Scotland were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the English side's optimal back division. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would appear several changes are expected in the team selection, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should return from the beginning.

However everything is relative, in competition as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest