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A number of triumphs send double weight in the statement they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but the way the style of success. To claim that the Springboks shattered several comfortable beliefs would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the powerful opponents at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they simply united and began pulling the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, the flanker, once again highlighted how a significant number of his players have been obliged to conquer personal challenges and how he hoped his team would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute point on broadcast, proposing that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. If South Africa manage to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the closing score that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, another half-back with explosive speed and an more acute vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

But even that turned out to be not enough, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, notably absent an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still hang over the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the weight of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Up front, similarly, regular starters should be included from the outset.

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