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A number of triumphs deliver twofold weight in the message they broadcast. Amid the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will echo longest across the rugby world. Not just the conclusion, but the way the style of achievement. To say that South Africa overturned various widely-held beliefs would be an understatement of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

So much for the notion, for example, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. The belief that entering the final quarter with a slight advantage and an additional player would lead to inevitable glory. Despite missing their star man their scrum-half, they still had ample resources to contain the big beasts at a distance.

On the contrary, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. After being 17-13 down, the reduced Springboks concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their reputation as a side who more and more save their best for the toughest situations. While overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, now came definitive evidence that the world’s No 1 side are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Erasmus's champion Bok forwards are starting to make all other teams look laissez-faire by juxtaposition. Scotland and England each enjoyed their periods of promise over the two-day period but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the inner fortitude underpinning it all. Without Lood de Jager – issued a 38th-minute straight red for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Springboks could potentially faltered. On the contrary they just circled the wagons and set about dragging the deflated home team to what a retired hooker referred to as “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the venue on the powerful backs of the lock pairing to celebrate his 100th cap, the Springbok captain, the flanker, repeatedly emphasized how a significant number of his team have been needed to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his side would in the same way continue to motivate people.

The perceptive an analyst also made an astute observation on television, stating that his results more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. In the event that the world champions do go on to secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Should they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a experienced team has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Consider his young playmaker the rising star who darted through for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. And also Grant Williams, a second backline player with lightning acceleration and an even sharper vision for space. Naturally it is beneficial to play behind a massive forward unit, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Boks from physically imposing units into a squad who can also display finesse and sting like bees is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

However, it should not be thought that France were totally outclassed, notwithstanding their weak ending. Their winger's second try in the right corner was a clear example. The set-piece strength that engaged the South African pack, the superb distribution from the full-back and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a team with considerable ability, even in the absence of Dupont.

But even that turned out to be insufficient, which truly represents a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for example, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to South Africa and fought back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Despite England’s late resurgence, there is a gap to close before the England team can be confident of standing up to Erasmus’s green-clad giants with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Overcoming an Pacific Island team posed difficulties on the weekend although the next encounter against the All Blacks will be the contest that properly defines their November Tests. The visitors are not invincible, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a cut above the majority of the home unions.

Scotland were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the final nails and doubts still apply to the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable ending matches well – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their notable undefeated streak this year has so far featured only one win over top-drawer opposition, a one-point home victory over the French in February.

Next Steps

Hence the weight of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear several changes are likely in the starting lineup, with established stars returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, first-choice players should return from the outset.

However everything is relative, in rugby as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest