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Some victories deliver double importance in the message they communicate. Amid the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the globe. Not only the end result, but the way the style of success. To say that the Springboks overturned a number of established beliefs would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an extra man would translate into certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to keep the powerful opponents safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their standing as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging scenarios. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a message, this was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but did not have the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was hommes contre garçons.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength driving it all. Without the second-rower – given a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have lost their composure. As it happened they simply united and proceeded to dragging the deflated boys in blue to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to honor his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his team have been needed to conquer personal challenges and how he hoped his team would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The insightful David Flatman also made an astute point on broadcast, proposing that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. In case they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, another backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Undoubtedly it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also display finesse and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that tied in the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a squad with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

However, that in the end was not enough, which truly represents a sobering thought for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with the world's top team with all at stake.

European Prospects

Beating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on match day although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a step ahead the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well 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 Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Thus the weight of this upround. Analyzing the situation it would look like several changes are expected in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest