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Certain wins deliver dual importance in the lesson they communicate. Within the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in Paris that will resonate most enduringly across the globe. Not just the end result, but the way the manner of victory. To say that the Springboks demolished several widely-held theories would be an oversimplification of the season.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for example, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would result in inevitable glory. That even without their star man their captain, they still had ample strategies to restrain the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Having been 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their status as a team who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. Whereas beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, now came definitive evidence that the leading international squad are developing an greater resilience.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, the coach's title-winning pack are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides both had their periods of promise over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same powerful carriers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to landfill in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are developing but, by the final whistle, the match was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength underpinning it all. In the absence of their lock forward – issued a red card in the first half for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the South Africans could might well have faltered. As it happened they simply united and set about taking the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Following the match, having been carried around the Parisian stadium on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, yet again highlighted how a significant number of his team have been required to rise above personal challenges and how he aspired his squad would in the same way continue to inspire fans.

The perceptive David Flatman also made an shrewd comment on broadcast, suggesting that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a potentially ageing team has been an exemplary model to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker the newcomer who sprinted past for the closing score that properly blew open the opposition line. And also the scrum-half, a further playmaker with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it is an advantage to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with the powerful center providing support, but the steady transformation of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a squad who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the French team were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s additional score in the right corner was a clear example. The power up front that engaged the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all displayed the characteristics of a team with notable skill, without their captain.

However, that in the end was not enough, which truly represents a sobering thought for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the Scottish side could have trailed heavily to the world champions and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's late resurgence, there remains a journey ahead before the national side can be assured of facing the world's top team with all at stake.

European Prospects

Beating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they remain a cut above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were particularly guilty of not finishing off the killing points and doubts still hang over the red rose's optimal back division. It is fine finishing games strongly – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable undefeated streak this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would appear a number of adjustments are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in existence. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest