South Africa displayed world champion resilience as they came from behind to overcome France 32-17 in a gripping Autumn international at Stade de France. Despite losing lock Lood de Jager to a red card just before half-time, the Springboks turned the game around with physicality, discipline, and clinical attacking.
France, aiming to avenge their narrow 29-28 World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa two years ago, started strongly. Winger Damian Penaud scored twice within the first few minutes, surpassing Serge Blanco to become France’s all-time leading try-scorer with 40 tries. Full-back Thomas Ramos and the French backline looked unstoppable early, and with South Africa reduced to 14 men, the hosts seemed in control.
However, South Africa absorbed the pressure and capitalized on France’s errors. A yellow card to France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey for a deliberate knock-on shifted momentum. Cobus Reinach, André Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu each crossed the line for tries, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu also contributed with two penalties and three conversions, securing the comeback.
Esterhuizen powered over from a maul after a penalty lineout, and Williams broke through a fractured defence to score. Feinberg-Mngomezulu rounded the French defence and converted his own try to seal the victory, highlighting South Africa’s composure under pressure.
Coach Rassie Erasmus praised his team’s character, saying, “Some say they’re getting old. They’re getting wiser, calmer.” Meanwhile, France coach Fabien Galthié lamented missed opportunities and penalties at crucial moments that allowed the Springboks to dominate the second half.
With this win, South Africa have now beaten France in nine of their last ten encounters. France will face Fiji next in Bordeaux, while South Africa travel to Italy for their next Autumn Nations Series clash, seeking to build on their remarkable comeback in Paris.
