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A number of triumphs deliver double weight in the statement they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not only the final score, but also the style of victory. To claim that South Africa overturned various established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their star man their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to restrain the big beasts under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more save their best for the most demanding scenarios. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the home side to landfill in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and set about dragging the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been carried around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his hundredth Test, the team leader, the flanker, yet again stressed how many of his players have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to inspire others.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute comment on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the clever way in which the coach has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. And also Grant Williams, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center providing support, but the steady transformation of the Boks from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a clear example. The set-piece strength that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a team with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which really is a daunting prospect for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before the England team can be confident of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the final nails and doubts still apply to England’s ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Thus the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would look like various alterations are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the side. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should all be back from the start.

But perspective matters, in sport as in reality. From now until the next global tournament the {rest