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Some victories send double significance in the message they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not merely the end result, but also the manner of success. To suggest that South Africa overturned various comfortable theories would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

Discard the idea, for instance, that France would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a small margin and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of assuming victory too early. After being 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a squad who increasingly reserve their top performance for the toughest circumstances. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a message, now came clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are developing an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. In the absence of Lood de Jager – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could potentially faltered. On the contrary they merely regrouped and set about dragging the deflated boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, once again stressed how many of his team have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he aspired his side would similarly continue to inspire others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd point on television, stating that his results increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. If South Africa manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Should they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced team has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who darted through for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. Or another half-back, another half-back with lightning acceleration and an more acute vision for space. Undoubtedly it is an advantage to operate behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from physically imposing units into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the characteristics of a side with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that Scotland could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. And for all England’s late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are not invincible, especially missing their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still apply to England’s ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Hence the importance of this coming Saturday. Interpreting the signals it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, regular starters should return from the beginning.

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