The Springboks claimed a thrilling 32-17 victory over France in Paris, despite playing the majority of the match with 14 men following Lood de Jager's red card. This encounter marked the first time the two teams met since South Africa's dramatic win over France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final at the same venue in October 2023.
The match was a tense affair, with France leading 14-13 at halftime, thanks to Damian Penaud's double try, Thomas Ramos' brilliant goal-kicking, and a controversial red card for Springboks lock Lood de Jager. De Jager's shoulder contact with France full-back Thomas Ramos resulted in a sending-off by referee Angus Gardner just before the break.
South Africa's momentum shifted when Louis Bielle-Biarrey was yellow-carded in the second half, and they seized the opportunity to surge to victory. France's lead was extended by Ramos' penalty kick, but South Africa remained competitive.
The turning point came when Bielle-Biarrey was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, allowing South Africa to take the lead through Andre Esterhuizen's try from a rolling maul. Captain Siya Kolisi, celebrating his 100th cap, led the team from the touchline, and the Springboks secured a memorable win with late tries from Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Earlier in the day, Italy achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Australia 26-19 in Udine, snapping a losing streak of 18 previous meetings between the two nations. Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane scored Italy's tries in this historic victory.
France Team:
- Ramos
- Penaud
- Barassi
- Fickou (capt)
- Bielle-Biarrey
- Ntamack
- Le Garrec
- Erdocio
- Marchand
- Montagne
- Flament
- Meafou
- Jelonch
- Boudehent
- Guillard
Replacements:
- Cramont
- Gros
- Aldegheri
- Taofifenua
- Auradou
- Jegou
- Lucu
- Depoortere
South Africa Team:
- Willemse
- Kolbe
- Kriel
- De Allende
- Arendse
- Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Reinach
- Venter
- Marx
- T du Toit
- Etzebeth
- De Jager
- Kolisi (capt)
- PS du Toit
- Wiese
Replacements:
- Grobbelaar
- Steenekamp
- Louw
- Snyman
- Nortje
- Esterhuizen
- Williams
- Libbok
