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Some victories send twofold importance in the message they communicate. Among the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will echo most enduringly across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but also the approach of achievement. To claim that the Springboks demolished several established theories would be an understatement of the season.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the notion, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. That even without their star man their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to contain the powerful opponents at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a side who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a message, now came clear demonstration that the leading international squad are building an greater resilience.

Pack Power

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are starting to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Scotland and England experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to landfill in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are coming through but, by the end, Saturday night was men against boys.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of the French full-back – the South Africans could easily have become disorganized. Instead they merely united and began dragging the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of the lock pairing to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how several of his squad have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he aspired his squad would in the same way continue to motivate others.

The insightful David Flatman also made an astute comment on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks manage to claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced roster has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. And also another half-back, a further half-back with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that France were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that occupied the visiting eight, the superb distribution from Ramos and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a squad with significant talent, even in the absence of their star man.

However, that turned out to be inadequate, which is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of facing the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the next encounter against the New Zealand will be the fixture that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, particularly without an influential back in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a level above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine ending matches well – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a close result over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Hence the significance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would look like a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the team. Among the forwards, similarly, regular starters should be included from the start.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in life. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest