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Some victories send twofold significance in the statement they communicate. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not only the conclusion, but also the style of victory. To say that South Africa overturned a number of established beliefs would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the idea, for example, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would lead to certain victory. Even in the absence of their star man their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their reputation as a squad who consistently save their best for the toughest situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, here was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could easily have faltered. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and began taking the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his hundredth Test, the team leader, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how many of his squad have been needed to overcome off-field adversity and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to inspire others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, stating that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the mentor has revitalized a experienced team has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, a further backline player with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with notable skill, without Dupont.

But even that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a humbling reality for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the red rose's late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a cut above almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the final nails and uncertainties still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is all very well ending matches well – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would seem various alterations are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

But perspective matters, in sport as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest