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A number of triumphs carry double weight in the message they convey. Among the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will echo longest across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but the way the manner of victory. To suggest that South Africa overturned a number of comfortable beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would result in inevitable glory. That even without their key player Antoine Dupont, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to contain the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their status as a side who increasingly save their best for the most demanding situations. If overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, here was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. As it happened they merely circled the wagons and began pulling the disheartened boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his hundredth Test, the team leader, the inspirational figure, repeatedly emphasized how several of his players have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he wished his side would in the same way continue to motivate fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on sports media, stating that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa manage to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they fall short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has revitalized a experienced team has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the French windows. Or the scrum-half, a further half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute ability to spot openings. Naturally it helps to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the South African team from intimidating giants into a team who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the French team were completely dominated, in spite of their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the traits of a squad with notable skill, despite missing Dupont.

Yet that in the end was not enough, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a distance to travel before the national side can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a cut above almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the final nails and uncertainties still hang over England’s ideal backline blend. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with key players returning to the team. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

Yet context is key, in rugby as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest