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Certain wins carry double significance in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but the way the manner of achievement. To say that South Africa demolished a number of comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the notion, for example, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in inevitable glory. That even without their star man their scrum-half, they still had sufficient strategies to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are starting to make opposing sides look less committed by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are developing but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without their lock forward – shown a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they just regrouped and began pulling the demoralized home team to what an ex-France player described as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again stressed how many of his squad have been obliged to conquer off-field adversity and how he aspired his team would similarly continue to motivate people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute point on sports media, proposing that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Should they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. Additionally Grant Williams, another half-back with explosive speed and an keener vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a squad with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that ultimately proved inadequate, which really is a humbling reality for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before the England team can be confident of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a level above almost all the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the English side's optimal back division. It is fine ending matches well – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over the French in earlier in the year.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the lineup. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

Yet perspective matters, in competition as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest