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A number of triumphs deliver dual weight in the lesson they convey. Among the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but equally the approach of victory. To suggest that the Springboks demolished several established theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the theory, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would result in inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had ample strategies to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their reputation as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding circumstances. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make everyone else look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could might well have faltered. Instead they simply united and proceeded to taking the disheartened French side to what a retired hooker called “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the venue on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his hundredth Test, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how a significant number of his squad have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would similarly continue to motivate fans.

The insightful a commentator also made an shrewd point on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the clever way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to everyone.

New Generation

Consider his young playmaker the rising star who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the French windows. Additionally the scrum-half, another playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. The wing's later touchdown in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the characteristics of a squad with notable skill, without Dupont.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which really is a humbling reality for everybody else. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. And for all England’s strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

European Prospects

Overcoming an improving Fiji posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a step ahead most the home unions.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to England’s optimal back division. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better 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 one-point home victory over France in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

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