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A number of triumphs deliver double importance in the lesson they broadcast. Amid the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not only the final score, but the way the manner of achievement. To say that South Africa shattered several widely-held theories would be an oversimplification of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the idea, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their talisman their scrum-half, they still had sufficient strategies to restrain the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon prematurely. After being 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks ended up registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their status as a squad who more and more save their best for the toughest circumstances. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in September was a declaration, this was definitive evidence that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the closing period. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the mental strength driving it all. Without Lood de Jager – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Boks could might well have become disorganized. On the contrary they merely regrouped and proceeded to dragging the deflated home team to what a retired hooker described as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly highlighted how many of his squad have been required to conquer off-field adversity and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive point on broadcast, proposing that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the coach has rejuvenated a potentially ageing roster has been an exemplary model to everyone.

New Generation

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that effectively shattered the home defense. And also another half-back, a further backline player with blistering pace and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it helps to play behind a gargantuan pack, with the inside back adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were completely dominated, in spite of their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a prime instance. The power up front that engaged the South African pack, the glorious long pass from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all displayed the hallmarks of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

However, that in the end was not enough, which really is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the fixture that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and question marks still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over France in February.

Next Steps

Hence the significance of this coming Saturday. Analyzing the situation it would seem a number of adjustments are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, regular starters should return from the outset.

But everything is relative, in competition as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest