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A number of triumphs deliver double importance in the statement they communicate. Among the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening score in Paris that will linger longest across the globe. Not merely the end result, but the way the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa overturned several widely-held theories would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to inevitable glory. That even without their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient strategies to contain the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the most challenging circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, here was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Pack Power

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the two-day period but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they just circled the wagons and began taking the demoralized home team to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of two key forwards to honor his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his squad have been needed to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would likewise continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute observation on television, stating that his results more and more make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the smart way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over 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 eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's second try in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, without Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which truly represents a humbling reality for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the contest that properly defines their autumn. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a level above most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable ending matches well – and far superior than losing them late on – but their commendable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over the French in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would look like a number of adjustments are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, regular starters should be included from the outset.

However context is key, in sport as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest