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Certain wins send double importance in the message they broadcast. Within the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not only the conclusion, but also the approach of success. To say that South Africa shattered various widely-held theories would be an modest description of the rugby year.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the notion, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a narrow lead and an extra man would translate into certain victory. That even without their talisman their scrum-half, they still had ample strategies to keep the strong rivals safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. After being 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by racking up 19 points without reply, strengthening their reputation as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a declaration, this was definitive evidence that the leading international squad are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. Both northern hemisphere teams experienced their promising spells over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing their lock forward – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Boks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they simply regrouped and proceeded to taking the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how many of his squad have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he wished his side would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an astute observation on broadcast, proposing that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. If South Africa do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they come up short, the intelligent way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran squad has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his young playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a second playmaker with lightning acceleration and an keener vision for space. Of course it is an advantage to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back providing support, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that engaged the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a side with considerable ability, without their star man.

Yet that ultimately proved not enough, which is a sobering thought for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they remain a step ahead almost all the European sides.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over Les Bleus in the winter.

Next Steps

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would look like several changes are likely in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, regular starters should return from the start.

Yet everything is relative, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest