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Certain wins deliver twofold weight in the statement they convey. Amid the barrage of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was Saturday night's outcome in the French capital that will linger most enduringly across both hemispheres. Not only the end result, but equally the manner of success. To suggest that the Springboks demolished several comfortable beliefs would be an understatement of the rugby year.

Unexpected Turnaround

Forget about the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the unfairness of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Assuming that going into the last period with a small margin and an numerical superiority would lead to assumed success. Despite missing their key player their captain, they still had ample resources to contain the powerful opponents under control.

On the contrary, it was a case of assuming victory too early. Having been 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a side who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in earlier this year was a message, this was clear demonstration that the leading international squad are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

Actually, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are beginning to make everyone else look less committed by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams each enjoyed their promising spells over the recent fixtures but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the French pack to ruins in the final thirty minutes. A number of talented young home nation players are emerging but, by the end, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could potentially lost their composure. As it happened they merely regrouped and began pulling the disheartened home team to what a retired hooker described as “a place of suffering.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Afterwards, having been carried around the venue on the powerful backs of two key forwards to mark his hundredth Test, the Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly emphasized how a significant number of his players have been required to conquer life difficulties and how he aspired his side would likewise continue to encourage people.

The perceptive an analyst also made an perceptive comment on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements progressively make him the rugby's version of the legendary football manager. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the clever way in which the coach has revitalized a experienced roster has been an exemplary model to other teams.

Young Stars

Look no further than his 23-year-old fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who skipped over for the decisive touchdown that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or the scrum-half, a second half-back with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Of course it is beneficial to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen providing support, but the steady transformation of the Boks from physically imposing units into a side who can also display finesse and strike decisively is remarkable.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that the French team were utterly overwhelmed, notwithstanding their fading performance. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from the playmaker and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all displayed the traits of a squad with considerable ability, despite missing their star man.

Yet that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a sobering thought for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there remains a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be assured of facing Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji was challenging on the weekend although the upcoming showdown against the All Blacks will be the match that properly defines their end-of-year series. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, particularly without Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to taking their chances they continue to be a cut above almost all the home unions.

The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and uncertainties still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over France in the winter.

Future Prospects

Therefore the weight of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would appear various alterations are expected in the starting lineup, with key players being reinstated to the side. Up front, in the same way, first-choice players should be included from the outset.

However context is key, in rugby as in life. From now until the next global tournament the {rest