World champions South Africa recovered from 14-6 down and the sending off of powerhouse lock Lood de Jager to overpower France 32-17 in a bruising autumn international. France cracked completely under pressure as their discipline disintegrated, throwing away an early lead despite the Springboks being reduced to 14 men on the stroke of half-time.
Two years after their agonising 29-28 World Cup quarter-final loss to the Springboks on home soil, Les Bleus appeared poised for revenge. Still without injured captain Antoine Dupont, France looked irresistible early on as winger Damian Penaud scored twice to become his country’s all-time leading try scorer with 40, surpassing Serge Blanco’s long-standing record. A succession of reckless infringements and a costly yellow card, however, handed the initiative to the Springboks who punished every mistake. South Africa fought back with tries from Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who also slotted two penalties and three conversions.
Key statistics
Possession: France 58% – South Africa 42%Territory: France 62% – South Africa 38%Meters gained: France 512 – South Africa 378Clean breaks: France 11 – South Africa
Turnovers won: France 7 – South Africa 14France fly-half Romain Ntamack scored 17 points (1 try, 3 penalties, 2 conversions) but saw a late drop-goal attempt charged down by RG Snyman. Lock Emmanuel Meafou dominated the line-out with five steals, while Springbok replacement Eben Etzebeth made 14 tackles in 30 minutes.
Post-match reaction
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi: “One point again. Rugby doesn’t get tighter than this. France pushed us to places we didn’t know we had.”France captain Gaël Fickou: “We did everything but win. One kick, one decision – same story. We’ll come back stronger.”
What’s next
France travel to face New Zealand in Lyon next Saturday (15 November). South Africa play England at Twickenham on 16 November.
The Springboks remain world number one and extend their unbeaten run to ten Tests. France drop to fourth in the rankings.