The XV of France triumphed over South Africa (30-26), reigning world champion, at the end of a meeting marked by incredible physical intensity and a red card received on both sides, this Saturday 12 november. Les Bleus take a 12th consecutive victory and sign their second success during this autumn tour, after their match won against the Australians last weekend.
Faced with the physical challenge announced against the South Africans, the Blues did not sink. They even made things clear from the start of the match: if the Springboks are known for hitting hard, the French are capable of returning the favor. And with two balls snatched in the first minutes and a penalty converted by Thomas Ramos (3rd), they are there, determined to end their series of seven consecutive defeats against South Africa.
Caught at their own game, the Springboks even began to go off the rails in the 12th minute, after a header from Pieter-Steph Du Toit on Jonathan Danty immediately sanctioned with a red card by Mr. Barnes. Cyril Baille then confirms the very good start to the match for the Blues with the first try (21st), converted by Ramos, bringing the score to 13-0. The XV of France nevertheless lets slip the South African third line Siya Kolisi, who in turn scores a try (30th) and allows South Africa to return to the game.
After thirty minutes of play, the opposing steamroller begins to be felt and concussion protocols multiply, with three Frenchmen already replaced in the first period. Very diligent in defense against the jostled South Africans, but with an impressive physical impact, the Blues finished in the lead at the break (16-10) having left a few feathers there.
A physical confrontation of rare intensity
Back from the locker room, the two teams continue to fight by transforming penalties in turn, first by Kolbe (44th) for South Africa then by Ramos (46th) for the French camp. The Habs then suffered a big blow with the exit of their captain Antoine Dupont on a red card (48th), author of a fault on Cheslin Kolbe who beat him in the air. It had been ten matches since France had received a card.
Much more in difficulty, the France team conceded a second try in stride by Kurt-Lee Arendse (52nd), converted by Faf De Klerk to bring the score to 19-20 for the South Africans. Thomas Ramos quickly picks up the score with a converted penalty in the 60th minute (22-23), while South Africa tries to drive the point home.
After a good French streak, Damian Penaud tries the pass with the foot, but the South Africans keep an eye on the grain and prevent the test of the French, boosted ten minutes from the end of the match. Hooker Deon Fourie immediately received a yellow card, leaving his team outnumbered for the end of the match. The Blues took the opportunity to pierce the Springbok defense thanks to a try from Sipili Falatea (74th) and return to the lead at the best time (27-26). Thomas Ramos then shelters France with a converted penalty at the last minute of play, to seal the match with a French victory (30-26).
With this success against the reigning world champions, the French team further improves its unbeaten record and signs its 12th consecutive victory. At the end of a match of incredible intensity which could have rocked both sides, the French once again proved their ability to reverse the situation against any opponent. Fabien Galthié’s selection also completed its record by triumphing over all the major rugby nations.