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Certain wins deliver double significance in the message they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but the way the manner of success. To claim that South Africa overturned a number of established theories would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the idea, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had sufficient strategies to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. After being trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their standing as a squad who more and more save their best for the toughest scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make everyone else look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could easily have become disorganized. Instead they merely circled the wagons and set about pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been carried around the Stade de France on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, yet again highlighted how a significant number of his players have been obliged to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to motivate people.

The perceptive a commentator also made an astute comment on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements more and more 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 no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a experienced squad has been an object lesson to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it helps to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of their star man.

Yet that in the end was not enough, which really is a daunting prospect for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s strong finish, there is a gap to close before the England team can be confident of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side was challenging on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the fixture that truly shapes their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the European sides.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the side. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the start.

Yet perspective matters, in sport as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest