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Some victories carry twofold importance in the statement they convey. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but also the style of victory. To suggest that the Springboks shattered various widely-held beliefs would be an modest description of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the notion, for example, that France would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would lead to inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the strong rivals under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their standing as a team who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make everyone else look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the conclusion, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the mental strength supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they just united and began pulling the disheartened French side to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how a significant number of his team have been needed to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to motivate fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd comment on television, proposing 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 complete assurance. Should they fall short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his young playmaker the rising star who darted through for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. Additionally another half-back, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a side with considerable ability, without their star man.

Yet that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the fixture that properly defines their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals coming back to the lineup. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest