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Some victories carry dual importance in the statement they convey. Amid the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will resonate longest across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but equally the approach of victory. To say that South Africa overturned a number of comfortable theories would be an understatement of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the notion, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an extra man would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their key player their captain, they still had ample resources to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding situations. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by comparison. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – given a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. Instead they just circled the wagons and set about dragging the disheartened home team to what one former French international called “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his team have been obliged to conquer personal challenges and how he wished his team would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The insightful a commentator also made an astute observation on television, suggesting that his results increasingly 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 potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to all.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the home defense. And also another half-back, a further playmaker with lightning acceleration and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it is an advantage to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a good illustration. The forward dominance that tied in the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all exhibited the traits of a side with notable skill, even in the absence of Dupont.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before the England team can be assured of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the fixture that accurately reflects their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing an influential back in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead most the European sides.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the decisive blows and question marks still apply to England’s optimal back division. It is all very well ending matches well – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Thus the significance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the team selection, with established stars coming back to the team. In the pack, in the same way, first-choice players should return from the beginning.

Yet context is key, in sport as in life. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest