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A number of triumphs deliver twofold weight in the lesson they communicate. Amid the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not merely the final score, but the way the approach of success. To say that the Springboks demolished several established assumptions would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the notion, for example, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a message, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make all other teams look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their promising spells over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could might well have faltered. As it happened they merely united and proceeded to taking the disheartened boys in blue to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how several of his players have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The insightful David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on sports media, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an masterclass to other teams.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally the scrum-half, a second playmaker with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from intimidating giants into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their limp finish. The wing's later touchdown in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

But even that ultimately proved not enough, which is a daunting prospect for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Thus the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals coming back to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, regular starters should all be back from the start.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest