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Some victories deliver dual significance in the statement they communicate. Within the flurry of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will resonate most profoundly across the globe. Not only the conclusion, but also the approach of success. To suggest that South Africa overturned various widely-held assumptions would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Shifting Momentum

Discard the idea, for example, that France would avenge the injustice of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would result in certain victory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had ample resources to contain the strong rivals at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. After being trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their status as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, here was conclusive proof that the leading international squad are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Erasmus's experienced front eight are increasingly make all other teams look less committed by comparison. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their periods of promise over the weekend but did not have the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the home side to landfill in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young France's pack members are emerging but, by the conclusion, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – shown a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could easily have become disorganized. As it happened they just circled the wagons and proceeded to taking the disheartened home team to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Parisian stadium on the gigantic shoulders of two key forwards to mark his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again emphasized how a significant number of his players have been obliged to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his side would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an perceptive observation on television, suggesting that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to win a third successive World Cup there will be absolute certainty. Even if they fail to achieve it, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has refreshed a potentially ageing roster has been an masterclass to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half the rising star who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that decisively broke the opposition line. And also Grant Williams, a further playmaker with explosive speed and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it helps to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also move with agility and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s later touchdown in the wing area was a clear example. The forward dominance that occupied the South African pack, the glorious long pass from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

Yet that ultimately proved insufficient, which is a daunting prospect for all other nations. It would be impossible, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite England’s late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before the national side can be certain of competing with the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on match day although the next encounter against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, particularly without their key midfielder in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a cut above the majority of the home unions.

The Thistles were notably at fault of not finishing off the decisive blows and doubts still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than fading in the closing stages – but their commendable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a close result over France in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would appear various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with key players returning to the lineup. Among the forwards, likewise, regular starters should be included from the beginning.

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