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Certain wins carry dual significance in the statement they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo longest across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but also the manner of achievement. To claim that South Africa demolished several established beliefs would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for example, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the final quarter with a small margin and an additional player would result in assumed success. That even without their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their standing as a squad who consistently reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are cultivating an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their promising spells over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled France to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they merely regrouped and set about dragging the deflated boys in blue to what a retired hooker called “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly highlighted how many of his squad have been obliged to rise above life difficulties and how he wished his side would similarly continue to encourage others.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute observation on broadcast, stating that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to all.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. Additionally the scrum-half, a second backline player with lightning acceleration and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a team with significant talent, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that in the end was not enough, which is a humbling reality for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's strong finish, there is a gap to close before the national side can be certain of competing with the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on match day although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a cut above most the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and doubts still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine finishing games strongly – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a narrow win over Les Bleus in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in sport as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest