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A number of triumphs send dual weight in the statement they convey. Amid the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo longest across the globe. Not only the final score, but the way the approach of achievement. To suggest that the Springboks overturned various established assumptions would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in assumed success. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough tranquiliser darts to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest scenarios. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, here was conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without the second-rower – given a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and set about taking the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, once again highlighted how many of his players have been needed to rise above life difficulties and how he wished his squad would likewise continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive point on broadcast, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Should they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Or another half-back, a further half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the far side was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with significant talent, without their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above almost all the home unions.

The Thistles were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Hence the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the lineup. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should return from the outset.

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