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A number of triumphs carry dual significance in the statement they communicate. Amid the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across the rugby world. Not merely the end result, but the way the manner of success. To say that South Africa demolished various widely-held theories would be an modest description of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the theory, for example, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an extra man would lead to certain victory. Despite missing their talisman their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the big beasts at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their standing as a side who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, this was definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, the coach's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. Without their lock forward – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and began pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the venue on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the flanker, yet again stressed how several of his squad have been obliged to overcome life difficulties and how he wished his side would likewise continue to motivate others.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute comment on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions manage to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a possibly veteran roster has been an object lesson to all.

Young Stars

Consider his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the French windows. Or another half-back, a further playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it is beneficial to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and sting like bees is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. The wing's later touchdown in the far side was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a squad with notable skill, even in the absence of their captain.

However, that ultimately proved not enough, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for example, that the Scottish side could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be confident of facing the world's top team with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their autumn. The visitors are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they are still a level above most the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the killing points and uncertainties still hang over England’s optimal back division. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars coming back to the lineup. Up front, similarly, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

But perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest