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Some victories carry double significance in the lesson they broadcast. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will resonate most enduringly across the globe. Not just the end result, but the way the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks shattered various comfortable assumptions would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the notion, for example, that the French team would avenge the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would lead to inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents under control.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their status as a team who consistently deliver their finest rugby for the toughest scenarios. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in earlier this year was a declaration, now came clear demonstration that the leading international squad are developing an greater resilience.

Pack Power

If anything, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are starting to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are coming through but, by the end, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of the second-rower – given a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could easily have faltered. On the contrary they simply circled the wagons and set about dragging the disheartened boys in blue to what a retired hooker referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to celebrate his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, once again stressed how several of his squad have been obliged to overcome life difficulties and how he hoped his team would in the same way continue to encourage others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd comment on television, proposing that Erasmus’s record progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an exemplary model to other teams.

New Generation

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who sprinted past for the closing score that decisively broke the opposition line. And also Grant Williams, a further half-back with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Boks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a prime instance. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a team with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

Yet that in the end was insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there still exists a distance to travel before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Defeating an Pacific Island team proved tricky enough on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a step ahead most the home unions.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the killing points and uncertainties still surround the English side's optimal back division. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with key players being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the outset.

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