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Certain wins send dual importance in the message they communicate. Among the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate longest across the rugby world. Not only the final score, but also the approach of success. To claim that South Africa demolished various comfortable beliefs would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for example, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their standing as a side who more and more reserve their top performance for the most challenging situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in the last quarter was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

In fact, the coach's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Missing the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have become disorganized. Instead they simply united and set about pulling the demoralized French side to what an ex-France player called “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been carried around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the flanker, once again stressed how many of his team have been obliged to rise above off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an astute observation on sports media, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced team has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally Grant Williams, another backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the characteristics of a squad with significant talent, without their star man.

However, that in the end was not enough, which is a humbling reality for everybody else. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the final nails and doubts still hang over the English side's optimal back division. It is acceptable ending matches well – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Thus the significance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem various alterations are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the side. Among the forwards, in the same way, first-choice players should all be back from the beginning.

However perspective matters, in competition as in existence. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest