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A number of triumphs carry dual weight in the statement they convey. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the final score, but equally the manner of success. To suggest that South Africa overturned several comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to inevitable glory. That even without their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough resources to contain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their status as a side who consistently reserve their top performance for the toughest scenarios. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are beginning to make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their promising spells over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young home nation players are developing but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially lost their composure. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and began taking the deflated French side to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how many of his squad have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he wished his side would likewise continue to encourage people.

The perceptive an analyst also made an shrewd point on sports media, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. In case they fall short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that decisively broke the opposition line. Or Grant Williams, another playmaker with blistering pace and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a dominant set of forwards, 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 strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. The wing's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all demonstrated the characteristics of a team with considerable ability, without Dupont.

However, that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before the England team can be confident of standing up to the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the fixture that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and question marks still hang over the English side's optimal back division. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over world-class sides, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the significance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would seem several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the side. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the start.

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