Springboks Overcome Red Card to Defeat France. Image credit: SARugby.co.za.
(The Post News) – South Africa battled to another victory over France in Paris despite playing with 14 men for more than half of the game, winning 27–21 at the Stade de France.
It was the first match between the two countries since the Springboks defeated the host nation France in a thrilling Rugby World Cup quarterfinal at the same location in October 2023, and the South Africans once again demonstrated their tenacity.
Unstoppable Springbok’s Fourteen-Man Team Crush French Hopes in Paris.
After leading 14–13 at halftime, France appeared ready for retribution. Damian Penaud, who crossed twice in the first half, became his nation’s all-time top try scorer. Lock Lood de Jager’s violent shoulder-to-head tackle on fullback Thomas Ramos resulted in a red card for the Springboks, despite Cobus Reinach’s magnificent solo try for the visitors.
In a decisive move, head coach Rassie Erasmus replaced Andre Esterhuizen, who played a hybrid role between center and back row, with captain Siya Kolisi, who earned his 100th Test cap.
Ramos extended France’s lead to four points with a penalty kick in the second half, but the world champions refused to give up. The Boks took advantage of a yellow card given to winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey for a purposeful knock-on. Esterhuizen drove over from the subsequent maul to give South Africa the lead for the first time.
The Springboks concluded with a flourish as Kolisi encouraged his teammates from the side-lines. Before Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu completed a valiant comeback and secured South Africa’s eighth victory in 10 meetings with France, Grant Williams darted over for a late try.
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