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Some victories send twofold weight in the statement they broadcast. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will linger longest across the globe. Not only the final score, but equally the approach of success. To say that South Africa shattered a number of widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Having been trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a team who more and more save their best for the toughest situations. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, here was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could might well have become disorganized. Instead they merely regrouped and began taking the deflated boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, repeatedly emphasized how many of his players have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he wished his team would likewise continue to motivate fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, stating that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced squad has been an exemplary model to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Or another half-back, another backline player with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is remarkable.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. 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 exhibited the traits of a side with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on match day although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing an influential back in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and doubts still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a close result over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, familiar faces should all be back from the outset.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest