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A number of triumphs send double importance in the lesson they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was the Saturday evening outcome in the French capital that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not just the conclusion, but also the approach of victory. To say that the Springboks demolished a number of widely-held theories would be an modest description of the season.

Unexpected Turnaround

So much for the notion, for instance, that France would rectify the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the last period with a narrow lead and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had more than enough resources to contain the big beasts under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Initially 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a squad who more and more save their best for the toughest scenarios. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in the last quarter was a message, here was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are beginning to make all other teams look less committed by juxtaposition. The Scottish and English sides both had their moments over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the French pack to landfill in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young French forwards are developing but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Perhaps most impressive was the inner fortitude driving it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Boks could potentially become disorganized. As it happened they just regrouped and proceeded to dragging the demoralized French side to what one former French international referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to honor his hundredth Test, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his players have been needed to conquer personal challenges and how he wished his squad would likewise continue to inspire people.

The perceptive an analyst also made an shrewd observation on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the parallel figure of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the French windows. And also Grant Williams, another backline player with blistering pace and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is beneficial to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also float like butterflies and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's additional score in the right corner was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the visiting eight, the glorious long pass from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a squad with significant talent, despite missing Dupont.

However, that in the end was not enough, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and mounted a comeback in the way they did against the All Blacks. Despite the English team's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a journey ahead before the England team can be certain of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Overcoming an Pacific Island team was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. The All Blacks are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their center, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a cut above the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.

The Scottish team were especially culpable of not finishing off the killing points and uncertainties still surround the red rose's perfect backline combination. It is fine ending matches well – and infinitely better than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a narrow win over France in earlier in the year.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this upround. Reading between the lines it would look like several changes are likely in the team selection, with experienced individuals being reinstated to the lineup. In the pack, similarly, first-choice players should return from the outset.

But perspective matters, in competition as in life. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest