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Certain wins send twofold importance in the message they communicate. Among the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not only the end result, but the way the approach of success. To claim that the Springboks overturned several established beliefs would be an understatement of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a small margin and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had sufficient strategies to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their status as a side who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most demanding situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are developing but, by the end, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength driving it all. Without Lood de Jager – given a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they simply circled the wagons and proceeded to taking the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker called “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to celebrate his hundredth Test, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how several of his squad have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he wished his team would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The insightful a commentator also made an perceptive observation on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to all.

Young Stars

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. And also Grant Williams, another backline player with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that France were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all England’s strong finish, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on match day although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a narrow win over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the lineup. Among the forwards, in the same way, regular starters should be included from the start.

However perspective matters, in sport as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest