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Certain wins deliver dual weight in the statement they broadcast. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will linger longest across the globe. Not only the conclusion, but equally the style of achievement. To say that South Africa overturned a number of established theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the theory, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. That entering the last period with a slight advantage and an extra man would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their star man Antoine Dupont, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most demanding scenarios. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a statement, here was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are increasingly make all other teams look laissez-faire by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their periods of promise over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – shown a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could easily have faltered. Instead they merely united and proceeded to pulling the demoralized boys in blue to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, once again emphasized how many of his squad have been needed to rise above life difficulties and how he wished his squad would likewise continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. If South Africa do go on to claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. Even if they fall short, the intelligent way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an object lesson to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the closing score that effectively shattered the opposition line. And also another half-back, a further playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Naturally it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the steady transformation of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all displayed the traits of a team with significant talent, without Dupont.

However, that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for competing teams. It would be impossible, for example, that Scotland could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s last-quarter improvement, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the match that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still apply to the English side's perfect backline combination. It is fine finishing games strongly – and infinitely better than losing them late on – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Hence the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would seem various alterations are anticipated in the starting lineup, with established stars being reinstated to the side. Up front, similarly, familiar faces should all be back from the start.

However perspective matters, in competition as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest