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A number of triumphs deliver dual significance in the statement they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will echo most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not only the end result, but the way the manner of success. To say that the Springboks overturned various established beliefs would be an understatement of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the notion, for example, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had more than enough resources to keep the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest scenarios. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a declaration, now came clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are developing but, by the end, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude driving it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and proceeded to taking the disheartened French side to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been carried around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how several of his squad have been required to overcome off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would similarly continue to encourage people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an astute comment on television, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that decisively broke the French windows. And also another half-back, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an more acute ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from intimidating giants into a squad who can also move with agility and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a squad with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a humbling reality for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the fixture that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were especially culpable of not finishing off the final nails and doubts still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a close result over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Thus the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the team. In the pack, similarly, familiar faces should return from the beginning.

But context is key, in competition as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest