The Springboks delivered a thrilling display of resilience as they defeated France 32-17 at the Stade de France in Paris, overcoming a red card for lock Lood de Jager to maintain their dominance over Les Bleus. This marked the first meeting between the sides since South Africa’s memorable Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final win at the same venue.
First Half Drama
The match began in breathless fashion, with France taking an early lead through Damian Penaud, who became France’s all-time leading try-scorer with his first of two tries. South Africa’s Cobus Reinach responded with a brilliant individual try, keeping the Springboks within striking distance.
Just before half-time, Lood de Jager was red-carded for shoulder contact to the head of French full-back Thomas Ramos, leaving South Africa with 14 men for the majority of the second half.
At the break, France led narrowly 14-13, thanks in part to Ramos’ accurate goal-kicking, having converted both Penaud tries.
Tactical Changes and Second-Half Comeback
Head coach Rassie Erasmus made a bold decision by substituting captain Siya Kolisi—on his 100th cap—bringing on Andre Esterhuizen to play a hybrid role between back row and centre. This move paid immediate dividends.
Following a yellow card to French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, South Africa capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring five unanswered tries in the second half. Esterhuizen touched down from a rolling maul, and late tries from Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed the 32-17 victory.
“Our captain had to be taken off because we needed Andre, who can play loose forward and centre, on the field. It was a tough call for the captain, but he took it on the chin,” Erasmus explained.
Kolisi, now off the field, provided guidance from the touchline, motivating his teammates throughout the crucial final period.
South Africa’s Clinical Finish
The Springboks’ clinical execution in the red zone was decisive. Ramos commented on the difference:
“We had far too many chances where we broke their line and didn’t score. The Springboks are clinical — when they get within five metres, they score. They’re not double world champions for nothing.”
This victory extends South Africa’s dominance over France, marking their ninth win in ten Tests against Les Bleus.
Match Statistics
Final Score: France 17 – 32 South Africa
France Tries: Damian Penaud 2
Conversions: Thomas Ramos 2
Penalties: Ramos 1
South Africa Tries: Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Conversions: Feinberg-Mngomezulu 3
Penalties: Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2
Looking Ahead
The Springboks continue their strong run in the Quilter Nations Series, while France will look to bounce back in upcoming Tests. Other notable matches in the series included Italy defeating Australia 26-19, with tries from Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane, and England continuing their winning streak against Fiji.
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