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Some victories deliver double significance in the statement they convey. Amid the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not merely the conclusion, but also the manner of success. To claim that South Africa shattered several widely-held assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the theory, for example, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. That even without their star man their captain, they still had ample resources to contain the big beasts under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks ended up racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their standing as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a statement, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are increasingly make everyone else look less committed by comparison. Scotland and England each enjoyed their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Some promising young France's pack members are developing but, by the final whistle, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – shown a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could potentially become disorganized. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and set about dragging the deflated home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again emphasized how several of his squad have been obliged to conquer life difficulties and how he hoped his side would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute observation on television, proposing that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the smart way in which Erasmus has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to everyone.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that decisively broke the opposition line. And also another half-back, a second backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all exhibited the characteristics of a squad with significant talent, without their star man.

Yet that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding England’s last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a level above the majority of the European sides.

Scotland were especially culpable of not finishing off the killing points and uncertainties still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than losing them late on – 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

Thus the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like various alterations are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, likewise, familiar faces should all be back from the outset.

Yet everything is relative, in competition as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest