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Some victories send twofold importance in the statement they communicate. Among the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but also the approach of victory. To claim that the Springboks shattered various widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a side who more and more reserve their top performance for the toughest scenarios. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a statement, now came definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

In fact, the coach's champion Bok forwards are starting to make all other teams look laissez-faire by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the end, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the mental strength underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they merely united and set about pulling the demoralized boys in blue to what an ex-France player called “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again stressed how a significant number of his players have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his team would similarly continue to encourage others.

The insightful a commentator also made an shrewd observation on sports media, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to everyone.

New Generation

Consider his emerging number 10 the rising star who sprinted past for the late try that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally Grant Williams, another playmaker with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it helps to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the French team were completely dominated, despite their limp finish. The wing's additional score in the wing area was a clear example. The power up front that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a side with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

But even that turned out to be inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's late resurgence, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be assured of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the fixture that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, particularly without an influential back in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a cut above almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a close result over Les Bleus in the winter.

Future Prospects

Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Up front, likewise, regular starters should be included from the outset.

Yet perspective matters, in sport as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest