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Some victories send dual importance in the statement they convey. Amid the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but the way the style of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks shattered a number of comfortable assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the idea, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in inevitable glory. That even without their talisman their captain, they still had ample resources to restrain the strong rivals under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a side who increasingly reserve their top performance for the most demanding situations. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to rubble in the last half-hour. Some promising young home nation players are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. In the absence of the second-rower – given a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could potentially faltered. Instead they simply circled the wagons and began dragging the demoralized home team to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how many of his squad have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to encourage others.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute observation on television, stating that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the home defense. Or the scrum-half, a further half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute vision for space. Naturally it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the French team were completely dominated, despite their fading performance. Their winger's second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a squad with significant talent, without their captain.

However, that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there remains a gap to close before the England team can be confident of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on match day although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a level above most the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are likely in the team selection, with key players being reinstated to the side. Among the forwards, similarly, regular starters should return from the outset.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest