In a brutal encounter, the France team once again showed its character and resilience to overcome a rough and aggressive South Africa (30-26). The unbeaten streak continues for this team that nothing seems to be able to shake.
23:09 – Galthié: “We found the meaning”
“We had a strong experience tonight. We won. We wanted to win. Anyhow, but we wanted it and we went to get it. We are moving forward and we are on the way. The players have understood why they were playing rugby since childhood. Tonight, we found the meaning”said Fabien Galthié, as inhabited by a superior force.
23:04 – Jelonch: “Everyone has been united”
“We had never played against such solid forwards. South Africa showed us how tough they were. We didn’t think we would have so many injuries. We struggled but we held on. evening and everyone was united”explained Anthony Jelonch, elected man of the match. “I don’t know if we are unbeatable but tonight we saw that we could be beaten, last week too. This last half hour will do us good.”
23:02 – The beautiful harvest at home
On its series of 12 consecutive successes, the France team has 8 at home. Before South Africa, the Blues beat Argentina, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, England and Australia in front of their home crowd. Their last defeat at home dates from March 26, 2021 when they received Scotland, at the end of the Six Nations Tournament (23-27).
11:00 p.m. – Ollivon: “It was chaos”
“All the combat zones, it was chaos. It was a bit disjointed but we held on and that’s why we won”, simply confided Charles Ollivon, his right eye blued by the bitterness of the confrontation. The third-line expressed his joy at this new victory while explaining that the group wanted to keep their feet on the ground because their objective is not in this tour but in the World Cup next year.
22:55 – The record streak continues
For several months, the France team has taken the good habit of always winning. Against South Africa, she scored a 12th consecutive success, a record. To find traces of the last French setback, you have to go back to July 17, 2021 and a trip to Australia (30-33).
22:49 – France defeats South Africa (30-26)
After a new ball recovered in the ruck by the third line, Lucu serves back Jalibert who hits touchdown just after the siren. The Vélodrome exploded and France won, once again, after an unlikely scenario (30-26). Heckled as rarely, the Blues were able to respond to the tough physical challenge imposed by the South Africans, losing several players, and making the difference in the last moments, as against Australia in a refusal of the defeat that characterizes them. If Ramos was essential at the foot, it was the ability to return the blows and to trip up the world champions which allowed the Tricolores to win.
22:46 – Ramos recovers on foot (30-26)
Facing the posts at 42 meters, Ramos hits straight in front of him and sees his ball pass on the right side of the right post. The Blues lead by 4 points a few seconds from the end of the match (30-26).
22:44 – The conquering melee
On a South African introductory scrum, the first French line sinks the opponent and comes to snatch a penalty 42 meters from the posts. The forwards exult after this great collective work.
22:42 – Ramos misses one on the way (27-26)
Destabilized by waiting for the connection to be reestablished with the video referee, Ramos rolls up his attempt too much and his transformation passes to the left of the posts (27-26).
22:41 – Test validated!
As Ramos is in position to attempt the conversion, Mr. Barnes stops him from tapping. A communication problem is indicated with video officiating. The South Africans dispute the test which is finally validated after long seconds of tension.
22:39 – Falatea try, the Blues regain the lead (27-26)
After a good percussion from Moefana, the supports are present and in a third time, Falatea propels himself into the in-goal where he flattens with rage (27-26).
22:38 – Moefana picked up close
After a furious attack from Macalou, shifted on a step by Ramos, the Blues collect a new penalty at 5 meters. The throw is assured and Moefana is stopped a few centimeters from the in-goal.
22:36 – The lost throw
5 meters from the in-goal, Mauvaka’s throw lobbed the French jumper’s cell. The ball is lost.
22:34 – Yellow card for Fourie
The Blues succeed in their touchdown and the maul advances led by Mauvaka. The forwards put their vis-à-vis to the torture and Fourie makes a mistake. Ntamack plays the advantage at the foot with a diagonal for Penaud. It’s behind the in-goal and we come back to the fault. The South African takes a yellow.
22:33 – Arendse sanctioned on the ground
On a high ball, Ramos is impeccable but also well received by Arendse mounted very quickly. He has the support of two teammates but the winger does not get out of the tackler-tackle zone. Penalty for the Blues who will go into touch near the 22 opposing meters.
22:28 – Willemse gets started (22-26)
After the exit of de Klerk and Kolbe, Willemse finds himself in the role of the South African striker and from 35 meters, on the right, continues the work of his predecessors (22-26).
22:28 – Macalou sanctioned
Macalou gets rid of a tackle and goes up the blue half. He is taken at the ankles by Arendse and is sanctioned with a penalty for not having released his ball following the tackle. The South African winger, however, did not hold the Frenchman.
22:27 – Lucu sacrifices himself
The South Africans are advancing strong behind their forwards; The game develops wide and Arendse is found on the right wing where he has space. Lucu comes to present his shoulder to delay him and Macalou puts him on the ground at 5 meters.
22:24 – Ramos received 5/5
Ramos continues to make the perfect match on foot and succeeds a new penalty on the left of the field at 20 meters (22-23).
22:23 – The Blues react
The French have been stung in their pride and are trying to change pace. In the 22 meters, after a good hold in the back of the line, the forwards multiply the percussion and collect many faults. The advantage does not benefit the Blues stuck in the closed left and Mr. Barnes returns to the penalty.
22:22 – Willemse tears himself apart
Behind his forwards in the 22 meters, de Klerk feigns the candle and withdraws to Willemse whose clearance is completely missed. Small touch found 15 meters from his in-goal.
22:20 – De Klerk increases the bill (19-23)
The South African strong moment is confirmed and de Klerk comes to sanction with a beautiful penalty of 40 meters in the axis the French indiscipline and the great pressure put by Etzebeth (19-23).
22:16 – De Klerk puts the South Africans in front (19-20)
Glued to the touchline on the right, 35 meters, from Klerk, the relay of Kolbe out to observe a concussion protocol, adjusts his kick from the left and allows the South Africans to take control for the first time in the match (19-20).