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Certain wins send double importance in the message they convey. Within the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but equally the style of success. To suggest that South Africa overturned a number of widely-held beliefs would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough resources to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their standing as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest scenarios. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are developing an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their moments over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are emerging but, by the conclusion, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. As it happened they simply united and began taking the demoralized home team to what a retired hooker called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again emphasized how several of his players have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his squad would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on television, stating that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the late try that effectively shattered the home defense. Or Grant Williams, another half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of facing the world's top team with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an Pacific Island team was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the final nails and question marks still apply to the English side's optimal back division. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, regular starters should be included from the start.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in life. From now until the 2027 World Cup the {rest