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A number of triumphs send dual significance in the statement they broadcast. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening score in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but also the manner of achievement. To suggest that South Africa demolished several widely-held beliefs would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the idea, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a small margin and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a message, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could might well have lost their composure. On the contrary they simply regrouped and proceeded to taking the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how several of his team have been obliged to rise above life difficulties and how he hoped his squad would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on broadcast, stating that his results progressively make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Even if they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the home defense. Or the scrum-half, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the home side were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a side with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which is a humbling reality for competing teams. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of standing up to the world's top team with high stakes.

European Prospects

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of not finishing off the killing points and uncertainties still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine ending matches well – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a close result over France in the winter.

Next Steps

Therefore the significance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the side. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

But everything is relative, in sport as in reality. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest