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Some victories carry twofold weight in the lesson they communicate. Amid the barrage of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not only the conclusion, but equally the manner of victory. To say that South Africa demolished a number of established theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would lead to certain victory. Despite missing their talisman their captain, they still had more than enough strategies to contain the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory before time. Initially trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their reputation as a team who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look less intense by contrast. Scotland and England both had their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the closing period. Some promising young home nation players are emerging but, by the final whistle, the match was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Missing Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have become disorganized. As it happened they simply regrouped and began pulling the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player called “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, Siya Kolisi, once again emphasized how a significant number of his squad have been needed to overcome off-field adversity and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to motivate others.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute observation on television, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. If South Africa succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be complete assurance. In case they fall short, the clever way in which the mentor has refreshed a possibly veteran team has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the closing score that properly blew open the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a second playmaker with blistering pace and an more acute ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to operate behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from intimidating giants into a squad who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

However, it should not be thought that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the wing area was a prime instance. The set-piece strength that tied in the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all demonstrated the traits of a squad with significant talent, without their captain.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite England’s last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of facing the world's top team with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are definitely still beatable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in February.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would look like a number of adjustments are expected in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the side. Up front, likewise, regular starters should all be back from the start.

However context is key, in rugby as in life. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest