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A number of triumphs deliver twofold importance in the statement they communicate. Within 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 victory. To claim that the Springboks shattered a number of established beliefs would be an modest description of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a small margin and an additional player would result in certain victory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their status as a squad who more and more save their best for the most challenging scenarios. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a statement, now came conclusive proof that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England both had their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the final whistle, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have lost their composure. On the contrary they simply regrouped and began dragging the disheartened home team to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to honor his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, repeatedly highlighted how a significant number of his team have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he wished his team would in the same way continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on television, proposing that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa succeed in win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. In case they come up short, the clever way in which the mentor has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an exemplary model to all.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. Additionally another half-back, a further half-back with blistering pace 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 powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were totally outclassed, in spite of their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a side with notable skill, without Dupont.

However, that ultimately proved inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their autumn. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, particularly without an influential back in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a level above most the European sides.

Scotland were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over the English side's optimal back division. It is fine finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over France in the winter.

Next Steps

Thus the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would appear several changes are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should all be back from the start.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in life. In the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup the {rest