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Some victories carry twofold importance in the statement they communicate. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will linger most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the final score, but the way the approach of victory. To suggest that the Springboks demolished several comfortable beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for instance, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their talisman their captain, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. After being 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks ended up scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their reputation as a side who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, here was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, the encounter was men against boys.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of their lock forward – given a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have faltered. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and proceeded to taking the disheartened home team to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, yet again stressed how many of his team have been obliged to conquer personal challenges and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The insightful a commentator also made an shrewd comment on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be absolute certainty. In case they come up short, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an masterclass to all.

Emerging Talent

Consider his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. And also Grant Williams, another playmaker with blistering pace and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, despite their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that occupied the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a side with significant talent, despite missing their captain.

Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, which is a humbling reality for everybody else. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before the England team can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Defeating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their autumn. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Thistles were especially culpable of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a narrow win over Les Bleus in February.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would appear various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. In the pack, likewise, regular starters should return from the beginning.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest