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A number of triumphs deliver dual weight in the statement they convey. Among the flurry of weekend rugby Tests, it was Saturday night's score in Paris that will linger longest across the rugby world. Not only the end result, but also the approach of achievement. To say that the Springboks overturned a number of widely-held assumptions would be an modest description of the calendar.

Shifting Momentum

Forget about the theory, for instance, that the French team would rectify the disappointment of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the closing stages with a slight advantage and an extra man would translate into certain victory. Even in the absence of their key player their captain, they still had ample tranquiliser darts to keep the big beasts under control.

Instead, it was a case of assuming victory too early. After being trailing by four points, the 14-man Boks finished by racking up 19 points without reply, reinforcing their standing as a squad who increasingly deliver their finest rugby for the toughest circumstances. Whereas defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a statement, now came clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.

Set-Piece Superiority

In fact, Rassie Erasmus’s champion Bok forwards are starting to make everyone else look less committed by comparison. The Scottish and English sides experienced their promising spells over the weekend but lacked entirely the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled France to landfill in the closing period. Some promising young French forwards are coming through but, by the end, the encounter was men against boys.

What was perhaps even more striking was the mental strength supporting it all. Missing Lood de Jager – shown a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the South Africans could might well have faltered. As it happened they simply united and set about taking the deflated French side to what an ex-France player referred to as “the hurt locker.”

Captaincy and Motivation

Following the match, having been hoisted around the venue on the immense frames of Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman to mark his century of appearances, the South African skipper, the inspirational figure, repeatedly stressed how several of his team have been needed to rise above life difficulties and how he aspired his side would in the same way continue to inspire people.

The ever-sage David Flatman also made an perceptive observation on sports media, suggesting that the coach's achievements increasingly make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. Even if they come up short, the smart way in which the coach has refreshed a potentially ageing squad has been an masterclass to everyone.

Young Stars

Consider his emerging number 10 the newcomer who sprinted past for the decisive touchdown that properly blew open the French windows. And also Grant Williams, a second half-back with blistering pace and an even sharper ability to spot openings. Of course it helps to have the support of a gargantuan pack, with the inside back riding shotgun, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the South African team from physically imposing units into a team who can also display finesse and deliver telling blows is remarkable.

French Flashes

Which is not to say that the French team were totally outclassed, despite their limp finish. Their winger's later touchdown in the right corner was a prime instance. The forward dominance that occupied the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from Ramos and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the traits of a side with considerable ability, even in the absence of their star man.

Yet that turned out to be inadequate, which truly represents a daunting prospect for everybody else. There is no way, for instance, that Scotland could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding England’s late resurgence, there remains a gap to close before Steve Borthwick’s squad can be confident of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

Home Nations' Tests

Beating an improving Fiji proved tricky enough on match day although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. The All Blacks are not invincible, particularly without their key midfielder in their center, but when it comes to taking their chances they are still a step ahead almost all the home unions.

The Thistles were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and doubts still surround the English side's ideal backline blend. It is acceptable ending matches well – and far superior than succumbing at the death – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over elite-level teams, a close result over France in earlier in the year.

Looking Ahead

Thus the weight of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would appear various alterations are anticipated in the team selection, with key players coming back to the side. In the pack, similarly, regular starters should be included from the outset.

However perspective matters, in rugby as in reality. In the lead-up to the upcoming world championship the {rest