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Some victories carry twofold significance in the lesson they broadcast. Among the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's score in the French capital that will resonate longest across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but also the manner of achievement. To suggest that South Africa shattered a number of widely-held assumptions would be an understatement of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for example, that the French team would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup elimination. That entering the final quarter with a narrow lead and an extra man would result in inevitable glory. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had more than enough resources to keep the strong rivals under control.

Instead, it was a case of counting their poulets before time. Initially 17-13 down, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with scoring 19 unanswered points, reinforcing their standing as a team who consistently save their best for the most demanding circumstances. Whereas overpowering New Zealand in Wellington in earlier this year was a message, now came definitive evidence that the leading international squad are cultivating an even thicker skin.

Pack Power

Actually, Erasmus's title-winning pack are increasingly make opposing sides look laissez-faire by comparison. The Scottish and English sides each enjoyed their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed France to rubble in the last half-hour. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the end, the encounter was hommes contre garçons.

Even more notable was the inner fortitude driving it all. Missing Lood de Jager – shown a 38th-minute straight red for a dangerous contact of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could easily have lost their composure. As it happened they simply circled the wagons and began taking the disheartened French side to what an ex-France player described as “the hurt locker.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Afterwards, having been hoisted around the venue on the powerful backs of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to honor his 100th cap, the team leader, the inspirational figure, yet again highlighted how many of his team have been obliged to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his side would similarly continue to motivate people.

The insightful an analyst also made an perceptive point on television, stating that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the parallel figure of the legendary football manager. If South Africa do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the intelligent way in which Erasmus has rejuvenated a experienced team has been an object lesson to everyone.

Emerging Talent

Look no further than his young playmaker the rising star who skipped over for the late try that properly blew open the French windows. Or another half-back, another half-back with explosive speed and an more acute eye for a gap. Naturally it is an advantage to play behind a dominant set of forwards, with the powerful center adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a side who can also display finesse and sting like bees is remarkable.

Glimpses of French Quality

Which is not to say that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's additional score in the far side was a good illustration. The power up front that engaged the visiting eight, the excellent wide ball from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the perimeter signage all exhibited the traits of a team with considerable ability, without their star man.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for all other nations. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and fought back in the way they did in their fixture. And for all England’s last-quarter improvement, there is a journey ahead before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be certain of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Defeating an improving Fiji posed difficulties on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their November Tests. The All Blacks are certainly vulnerable, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead most the northern hemisphere teams.

Scotland were particularly guilty of missing the chance to secure the final nails and uncertainties still surround the red rose's optimal back division. It is acceptable finishing games strongly – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their notable winning sequence this year has so far included just a single victory over world-class sides, a close result over France in the winter.

Next Steps

Therefore the importance of this next weekend. Analyzing the situation it would seem various alterations are likely in the matchday squad, with key players returning to the lineup. Up front, likewise, regular starters should be included from the outset.

But context is key, in competition as in reality. From now until the upcoming world championship the {rest