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Certain wins carry double weight in the statement they convey. Within the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will echo longest across the globe. Not merely the end result, but the way the style of achievement. To claim that the Springboks overturned a number of comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the idea, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a small margin and an additional player would lead to certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the strong rivals at a distance.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. After being behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a declaration, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's title-winning pack are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could might well have faltered. On the contrary they simply regrouped and proceeded to dragging the deflated home team to what one former French international described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how several of his players have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive observation on television, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the closing score that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally the scrum-half, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Of course it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also move with agility and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. Their winger's second try in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a team with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and fought 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 the England team can be assured of standing up to the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji posed difficulties on the weekend although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead most the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is all very well finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a close result over the French in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, first-choice players should be included from the beginning.

However perspective matters, in sport as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest