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A number of triumphs deliver twofold significance in the lesson they broadcast. Within the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will linger most enduringly across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but the way the style of victory. To claim that the Springboks overturned a number of widely-held beliefs would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup elimination. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a statement, now came definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England each enjoyed their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could might well have faltered. Instead they merely united and proceeded to dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again stressed how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his team would likewise continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an perceptive observation on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced roster has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. And also Grant Williams, another half-back with blistering pace and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the home side were completely dominated, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and mounted a comeback in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there still exists a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that truly shapes their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a step ahead almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and doubts still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would appear various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with key players being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

But context is key, in rugby as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest