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Certain wins carry dual significance in the message they communicate. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's outcome in Paris that will echo longest across both hemispheres. Not just the conclusion, but equally the style of victory. To say that South Africa shattered various widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the idea, for example, that France would make amends for the disappointment of their World Cup elimination. That entering the final quarter with a small margin and an extra man would translate into assumed success. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had more than enough resources to keep the big beasts under control.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory prematurely. Having been trailing by four points, the South African side with a player sent off finished by registering 19 consecutive points, strengthening their standing as a side who consistently reserve their top performance for the most challenging circumstances. While beating New Zealand 43-10 in the last quarter was a message, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are developing an more robust mentality.

Set-Piece Superiority

Actually, the coach's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look laissez-faire by comparison. Scotland and England both had their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that effectively reduced the home side to ruins in the closing period. Several up-and-coming young home nation players are developing but, by the conclusion, the match was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience underpinning it all. Without the second-rower – given a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the Boks could might well have lost their composure. Instead they merely regrouped and proceeded to taking the disheartened home team to what one former French international described as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Post-game, having been carried around the Stade de France on the immense frames of two key forwards to honor his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, the inspirational figure, yet again stressed how a significant number of his team have been obliged to overcome off-field adversity and how he wished his side would similarly continue to motivate fans.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive comment on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks manage to win a third successive World Cup there will be no doubt whatsoever. Should they fail to achieve it, the clever way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran squad has been an masterclass to all.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his emerging number 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who darted through for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. Additionally Grant Williams, another half-back with blistering pace and an more acute vision for space. Naturally it helps to have the support of a massive forward unit, with the inside back providing support, but the continuing evolution of the Springboks from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and sting like bees is extraordinary.

French Flashes

This is not to imply that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the far side was a clear example. The set-piece strength that engaged the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the try-scorer's execution into the advertising hoardings all displayed the characteristics of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

Yet that turned out to be not enough, which is a sobering thought for all other nations. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have gone 17-0 down to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all the English team's strong finish, there still exists a distance to travel before the national side can be assured of competing with Erasmus’s green-clad giants with all at stake.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on Saturday although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that properly defines their November Tests. New Zealand are not invincible, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they are still a level above the majority of the European sides.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and question marks still surround the English side's optimal back division. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and much preferable than succumbing at the death – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a one-point home victory over France in February.

Next Steps

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Reading between the lines it would seem a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with key players being reinstated to the lineup. Up front, in the same way, familiar faces should return from the start.

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