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Some victories send dual weight in the message they convey. Amid the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in Paris that will echo longest across the globe. Not only the conclusion, but the way the approach of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished various established beliefs would be an understatement of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the theory, for example, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the closing stages with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in certain victory. Despite missing their star man their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off finished by racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their standing as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a statement, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to rubble in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. Without their lock forward – given a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could might well have faltered. Instead they just circled the wagons and set about pulling the demoralized French side to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again stressed how a significant number of his team have been needed to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his team would similarly continue to motivate others.

The perceptive an analyst also made an perceptive point on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced roster has been an object lesson to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the home defense. Additionally another half-back, another half-back with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that occupied the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a squad with considerable ability, without Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

European Prospects

Defeating an Pacific Island team was challenging on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a cut above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and doubts still hang over England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence 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 weight of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Up front, similarly, regular starters should be included from the outset.

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