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A number of triumphs carry dual weight in the statement they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not merely the end result, but the way the style of success. To say that the Springboks overturned a number of widely-held theories would be an modest description of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an extra man would translate into certain victory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had more than enough resources to contain the strong rivals under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a side who more and more save their best for the toughest scenarios. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a declaration, this was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are cultivating an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make everyone else look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the weekend but did not have the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength supporting it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially become disorganized. Instead they simply regrouped and set about pulling the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his hundredth Test, the team leader, the flanker, once again emphasized how several of his team have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his squad would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an shrewd point on sports media, proposing that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the home defense. Or Grant Williams, another half-back with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The forward dominance that engaged the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a squad with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

However, that turned out to be inadequate, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the red rose's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the fixture that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a level above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still apply to the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run 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

Thus the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with key players coming back to the team. Among the forwards, likewise, first-choice players should return from the beginning.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in life. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest