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Some victories send double significance in the message they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but the way the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks shattered a number of established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for example, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their talisman their captain, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a declaration, now came conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are starting to make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the end, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have faltered. Instead they merely circled the wagons and set about taking the disheartened French side to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, yet again emphasized how several of his squad have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his side would likewise continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd point on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a experienced roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his young playmaker the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the home defense. Or Grant Williams, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the traits of a squad with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that in the end was not enough, which really is a humbling reality for competing teams. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there is a gap to close before the national side can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a level above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Among the forwards, in the same way, familiar faces should all be back from the outset.

However context is key, in rugby as in existence. From now until the next global tournament the {rest