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Some victories send dual significance in the statement they broadcast. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but also the approach of achievement. To say that the Springboks shattered a number of widely-held theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the notion, for example, that France would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. That entering the last period with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their talisman their captain, they still had ample strategies to contain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

As it turned out, 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 status as a team who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Pack Power

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are increasingly make all other teams look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to rubble in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the end, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength driving it all. Without their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. On the contrary they merely united and set about taking the disheartened home team to what an ex-France player referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again emphasized how many of his players have been needed to conquer off-field adversity and how he wished his team would likewise continue to motivate others.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive point on broadcast, proposing that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which the mentor has revitalized a experienced roster has been an masterclass to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a second half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that France were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The power up front that occupied the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a team with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

Yet that in the end was insufficient, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be assured of facing the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above the majority of the European sides.

Scotland were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and question marks still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would look like various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the team. Among the forwards, in the same way, regular starters should be included from the outset.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest