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A number of triumphs send twofold significance in the lesson they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but equally the style of success. To suggest that the Springboks overturned several established assumptions would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an extra man would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their reputation as a side who consistently reserve their top performance for the most challenging scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, here was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the home side to landfill in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength supporting it all. Without their lock forward – issued a dismissal before halftime for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have lost their composure. On the contrary they just united and began taking the demoralized boys in blue to what a retired hooker referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, yet again stressed how many of his squad have been required to overcome personal challenges and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive point on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 the rising star who sprinted past for the closing score that decisively broke the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a second half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a clear example. The set-piece strength that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the traits of a squad with notable skill, without their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the red rose's late resurgence, there still exists a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a cut above most the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a close result over the French in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the side. Among the forwards, likewise, first-choice players should return from the beginning.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the 2027 World Cup the {rest