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A number of triumphs deliver twofold weight in the message they broadcast. Amid the flood of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will linger most profoundly across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but equally the style of achievement. To say that the Springboks demolished various comfortable theories would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would rectify the unfairness of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the closing stages with a slight advantage and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their talisman their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off ended up racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their reputation as a squad who increasingly save their best for the toughest circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, here was clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Forward Dominance

In fact, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that systematically dismantled the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the conclusion, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience driving it all. Missing their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the French full-back – the Springboks could easily have faltered. Instead they just united and proceeded to pulling the deflated boys in blue to what one former French international referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been carried around the Stade de France on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how many of his players have been needed to conquer personal challenges and how he wished his squad would similarly continue to encourage fans.

The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute point on sports media, suggesting that his results increasingly make him the rugby's version of Sir Alex Ferguson. In the event that the world champions succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the clever way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to all.

New Generation

Take for example his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. And also the scrum-half, a further playmaker with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Of course it is an advantage to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back adding physicality, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also move with agility and sting like bees is remarkable.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the home side were totally outclassed, despite their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the right corner was a clear example. The forward dominance that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all displayed the characteristics of a side with notable skill, despite missing their captain.

However, that ultimately proved inadequate, which really is a daunting prospect for competing teams. There is no way, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there remains a journey ahead before the England team can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with everything on the line.

European Prospects

Beating an developing Fijian side was challenging on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are not invincible, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a cut above most the European sides.

Scotland were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and question marks still surround the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable ending matches well – and infinitely better than fading in the closing stages – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far shown just one success over world-class sides, a one-point home victory over the French in February.

Next Steps

Thus the significance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would seem several changes are anticipated in the team selection, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. In the pack, likewise, familiar faces should all be back from the beginning.

Yet context is key, in competition as in existence. In the lead-up to the next global tournament the {rest