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A number of triumphs carry twofold significance in the lesson they convey. Among the barrage of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will echo most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not just the final score, but the way the approach of victory. To suggest that the Springboks overturned various comfortable theories would be an modest description of the season.

Surprising Comeback

Forget about the theory, for example, that the French team would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. Assuming that going into the last period with a narrow lead and an numerical superiority would translate into certain victory. Even in the absence of their star man their captain, they still had sufficient resources to restrain the powerful opponents safely at bay.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Having been behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, reinforcing their standing as a squad who more and more save their best for the toughest circumstances. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a statement, now came conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are building an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their promising spells over the recent fixtures but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed France to rubble in the closing period. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the conclusion, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of their lock forward – shown a red card in the first half for a high tackle of the opposition kicker – the Springboks could potentially faltered. Instead they merely regrouped and proceeded to taking the deflated French side to what one former French international described as “extreme physical pressure.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the Stade de France on the gigantic shoulders of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to celebrate his hundredth Test, the South African skipper, the flanker, once again emphasized how a significant number of his squad have been needed to overcome personal challenges and how he hoped his team would likewise continue to inspire others.

The perceptive a commentator also made an shrewd comment on television, proposing that his results progressively make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be complete assurance. In case they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a experienced team has been an exemplary model to all.

Emerging Talent

Consider his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the French windows. Or Grant Williams, a further playmaker with blistering pace and an keener vision for space. Of course it is beneficial to have the support of a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a team who can also move with agility and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

This is not to imply that France were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Damian Penaud’s second try in the far side was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the perimeter signage all demonstrated the characteristics of a team with significant talent, despite missing their star man.

But even that ultimately proved insufficient, which truly represents a humbling reality for everybody else. There is no way, for example, that the Scottish side could have gone 17-0 down to the world champions and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's last-quarter improvement, there still exists a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

European Prospects

Overcoming an developing Fijian side proved tricky enough on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the contest that accurately reflects their autumn. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, notably absent an influential back in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a level above almost all the northern hemisphere teams.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of not finishing off the final nails and uncertainties still apply to the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is fine performing in the final quarter – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their notable nine-match unbeaten run this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over Les Bleus in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the weight of this upround. Reading between the lines it would look like various alterations are expected in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the side. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

Yet context is key, in rugby as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest