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Some victories send twofold weight in the message they communicate. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the globe. Not merely the end result, but the way the approach of success. To suggest that the Springboks overturned various comfortable theories would be an understatement of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Discard the theory, for example, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. That even without their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their status as a squad who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make all other teams look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude driving it all. Missing the second-rower – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. On the contrary they simply united and set about pulling the disheartened home team to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again stressed how a significant number of his players have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he aspired his team would in the same way continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an shrewd point on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the closing score that effectively shattered the home defense. And also the scrum-half, a second half-back with explosive speed and an more acute ability to spot openings. Naturally it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that occupied the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

However, that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there is a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and question marks still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well ending matches well – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in the winter.

Future Prospects

Hence the importance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are likely in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the side. Up front, similarly, regular starters should be included from the beginning.

But everything is relative, in sport as in existence. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest