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A number of triumphs send dual significance in the message they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across the globe. Not only the final score, but also the manner of success. To say that the Springboks demolished a number of comfortable assumptions would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would translate into inevitable glory. That even without their star man their scrum-half, they still had sufficient resources to keep the powerful opponents under control.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being behind on the scoreboard, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest scenarios. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are developing an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, the coach's title-winning pack are increasingly make everyone else look less committed by contrast. Scotland and England experienced their moments over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to landfill in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are coming through but, by the conclusion, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without the second-rower – given a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Boks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they merely circled the wagons and set about pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker called “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, yet again stressed how a significant number of his players have been required to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his team would likewise continue to encourage people.

The insightful a commentator also made an perceptive comment on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the smart way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a further backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back providing support, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

However, it should not be thought that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, without their star man.

However, that ultimately proved insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the red rose's strong finish, there still exists a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji was challenging on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the fixture that properly defines their autumn. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a step ahead almost all the European sides.

Scotland were especially culpable of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still surround England’s ideal backline blend. It is all very well performing in the final quarter – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in the winter.

Future Prospects

Therefore the significance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would seem various alterations are likely in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the side. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

However context is key, in competition as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest