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A number of triumphs deliver double importance in the message they convey. Amid the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not only the final score, but also the manner of victory. To claim that South Africa demolished several widely-held assumptions would be an oversimplification of the season.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had more than enough resources to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to rubble in the closing period. Some promising young French forwards are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the mental strength underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could easily have become disorganized. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and proceeded to dragging the deflated home team to what one former French international referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the venue on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his 100th cap, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again highlighted how a significant number of his squad have been obliged to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his team 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 more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to all.

Young Stars

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. Or Grant Williams, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Boks from intimidating giants into a team who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that France were completely dominated, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's later touchdown in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a team with significant talent, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that turned out to be inadequate, which really is a sobering thought for competing teams. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there is a gap to close before the England team can be certain of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an developing Fijian side was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the New Zealand will be the contest that accurately reflects their November Tests. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, especially missing Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still apply to England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Thus the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like several changes are expected in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the lineup. In the pack, likewise, familiar faces should return from the start.

However perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest