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A number of triumphs carry twofold weight in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not merely the end result, but also the style of success. To say that South Africa demolished a number of comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their standing as a side who consistently reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England experienced their periods of promise over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the final whistle, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they merely united and proceeded to pulling the demoralized home team to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how many of his squad have been needed to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to motivate others.

The insightful David Flatman also made an astute comment on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the parallel figure of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Should they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced roster has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Of course it helps to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the home side were completely dominated, notwithstanding their limp finish. The wing's later touchdown in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the characteristics of a team with notable skill, even in the absence of Dupont.

However, that turned out to be not enough, which really is a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there remains a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above most the European sides.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still apply to England’s optimal back division. It is all very well ending matches well – and far superior than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the importance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear several changes are expected in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, regular starters should return from the start.

But perspective matters, in competition as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest