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A number of triumphs deliver dual importance in the lesson they convey. Amid the flurry of weekend international rugby fixtures, it was the Saturday evening result in the French capital that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not only the conclusion, but also the style of success. To claim that the Springboks demolished various comfortable theories would be an modest description of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. Assuming that going into the last period with a slight advantage and an numerical superiority would result in certain victory. Despite missing their talisman their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to restrain the big beasts safely at bay.

As it turned out, it was a case of celebrating too soon before time. Initially trailing by four points, the reduced Springboks concluded with racking up 19 points without reply, confirming their status as a team who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the most challenging situations. While defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a statement, this was conclusive proof that the top-ranked team are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are beginning to make all other teams look less intense by juxtaposition. Scotland and England both had their periods of promise over the two-day period but lacked entirely the same powerful carriers that effectively reduced the French pack to ruins in the last half-hour. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the match was men against boys.

Even more notable was the psychological resilience driving it all. In the absence of the second-rower – issued a dismissal before halftime for a high tackle of Thomas Ramos – the Springboks could easily have faltered. On the contrary they merely united and proceeded to taking the deflated home team to what one former French international called “extreme physical pressure.”

Guidance and Example

Post-game, having been borne aloft around the venue on the immense frames of two key forwards to mark his century of appearances, the team leader, the inspirational figure, once again emphasized how several of his players have been required to rise above off-field adversity and how he hoped his squad would likewise continue to encourage people.

The ever-sage an analyst also made an shrewd point on broadcast, stating that the coach's achievements more and more make him the rugby coaching equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson. Should the Springboks succeed in secure another global trophy there will be absolute certainty. Should they fall short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has revitalized a possibly veteran team has been an exemplary model to all.

New Generation

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who sprinted past for the late try that effectively shattered the opposition line. Or Grant Williams, a further playmaker with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Of course it helps to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the continuing evolution of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is hugely impressive.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were completely dominated, notwithstanding their weak ending. Damian Penaud’s second try in the wing area was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that tied in the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and the try-scorer's execution into the sideline boards all exhibited the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their captain.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a sobering thought for everybody else. It is inconceivable, for instance, that the visitors could have fallen behind by 17 points to South Africa and fought back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the English team's last-quarter improvement, there remains a gap to close before the England team can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

European Prospects

Defeating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on match day although the upcoming showdown against the the Kiwis will be the match that accurately reflects their autumn. New Zealand are certainly vulnerable, notably absent their key midfielder in their backline, but when it comes to capitalizing on opportunities they continue to be a level above the majority of the European sides.

The Thistles were notably at fault of missing the chance to secure the decisive blows and uncertainties still hang over the English side's optimal back division. It is fine ending matches well – and far superior than losing them late on – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a narrow win over France in February.

Future Prospects

Thus the importance of this upround. Interpreting the signals it would appear a number of adjustments are anticipated in the matchday squad, with established stars returning to the lineup. Among the forwards, likewise, familiar faces should be included from the beginning.

But context is key, in rugby as in life. Between now and the next global tournament the {rest