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A number of triumphs carry twofold importance in the statement they broadcast. Within the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will linger most profoundly across the globe. Not only the conclusion, but the way the approach of success. To claim that South Africa demolished several widely-held assumptions would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in certain victory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to restrain the strong rivals safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their standing as a squad who more and more reserve their top performance for the most demanding circumstances. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their promising spells over the two-day period but did not have the same earthmovers that effectively reduced France to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Without their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they merely regrouped and set about taking the deflated home team to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly highlighted how many of his team have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his squad would in the same way continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an astute point on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. In case they fall short, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an masterclass to other teams.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, a second playmaker with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to play behind a gargantuan pack, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is extraordinary.

Home Side's Moments

This is not to imply that the home side were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. The wing's additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the hallmarks of a squad with significant talent, without Dupont.

However, that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on match day although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the match that accurately reflects their autumn. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a cut above the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the killing points and doubts still hang over the English side's ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their admirable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the significance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear a number of adjustments are expected in the team selection, with experienced individuals returning to the team. Among the forwards, likewise, regular starters should return from the beginning.

But everything is relative, in rugby as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest