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A number of triumphs carry twofold weight in the statement they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not just the final score, but also the manner of victory. To claim that the Springboks overturned a number of comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. After being 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their standing as a side who consistently save their best for the most challenging situations. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, now came definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make everyone else look less committed by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. Without the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they just united and set about pulling the demoralized French side to what a retired hooker called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of the lock pairing to honor his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, yet again stressed how a significant number of his players have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would likewise continue to encourage fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive point on television, stating that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to all.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. And also another half-back, a further backline player with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with significant talent, without their captain.

However, that ultimately proved not enough, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all England’s late resurgence, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be confident of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and doubts still apply to the English side's optimal back division. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the team selection, with established stars returning to the team. In the pack, similarly, regular starters should return from the outset.

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