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Some victories deliver dual weight in the message they convey. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but the way the approach of achievement. To say that South Africa demolished several established beliefs would be an modest description of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into certain victory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. After being trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a team who more and more reserve their top performance for the most challenging situations. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young French forwards are coming through but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have lost their composure. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and set about dragging the demoralized French side to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly highlighted how a significant number of his players have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to encourage others.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an shrewd comment on sports media, suggesting that his results progressively make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which the mentor has refreshed a potentially ageing squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Or another half-back, another playmaker with explosive speed and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the powerful center providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were completely dominated, notwithstanding their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that occupied the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a squad with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which really is a humbling reality for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of standing up to the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on the weekend although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still surround the English side's ideal backline blend. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a narrow win over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would look like several changes are expected in the starting lineup, with key players coming back to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, regular starters should return from the outset.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in existence. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest