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A number of triumphs carry twofold weight in the statement they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will resonate longest across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but the way the style of achievement. To say that the Springboks overturned various widely-held beliefs would be an modest description of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for instance, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an extra man would translate into inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their star man their scrum-half, they still had more than enough resources to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a declaration, now came definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make all other teams look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the home side to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience driving it all. Missing their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have become disorganized. On the contrary they just regrouped and set about pulling the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his hundredth Test, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been required to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd observation on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has revitalized a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. Additionally the scrum-half, another half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also move with agility and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, notably absent their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still apply to England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the significance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

But context is key, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest