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Some victories send twofold weight in the lesson they broadcast. Within the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but the way the manner of victory. To suggest that the Springboks overturned several established theories would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the idea, for instance, that France would make amends for the unfairness of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would translate into inevitable glory. Despite missing their key player their scrum-half, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to contain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, confirming their reputation as a side who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make everyone else look laissez-faire by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their promising spells over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to rubble in the final thirty minutes. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are emerging but, by the end, Saturday night was men against boys.

Perhaps most impressive was the psychological resilience driving it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. Instead they simply regrouped and began pulling the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker described as “the hurt locker.”

Guidance and Example

Afterwards, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of the lock pairing to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, the flanker, repeatedly stressed how a significant number of his team have been needed to overcome life difficulties and how he aspired his team would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an astute point on sports media, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks manage to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has refreshed a experienced team has been an exemplary model to all.

Emerging Talent

Consider his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the opposition line. And also Grant Williams, a second backline player with explosive speed and an even sharper eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from intimidating giants into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the home side were totally outclassed, in spite of their fading performance. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength that engaged the visiting eight, the superb distribution from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all exhibited the traits of a squad with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

But even that in the end was insufficient, which is a daunting prospect for everybody else. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the English team's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be certain of standing up to the world's top team with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on the weekend although the forthcoming clash against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, particularly without an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were especially culpable of failing to hammer home the final nails and question marks still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is fine ending matches well – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over the French in February.

Next Steps

Hence the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would seem various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the team. In the pack, likewise, first-choice players should return from the start.

But context is key, in rugby as in existence. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest