South Africa erected a “green wall” of defence and physicality, absorbing 40 minutes of pressure with 14 men before conquering France in a stunning 32-17 comeback. The “world champions’ resilience” was on full display as they weathered a French storm, which included two record-breaking tries from Damian Penaud, and the sending-off of Lood de Jager. The Boks’ “sheer physicality” ultimately “overwhelmed Les Bleus.”
The match began with France, seeking World Cup revenge, looking “irresistible.” Penaud scored twice to become his nation’s all-time leading try-scorer. When De Jager was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on Thomas Ramos, the Springboks were on the ropes, trailing 14-6.
But the second half was a masterclass in controlled aggression from South Africa. They “absorbed early pressure” and then, as France’s discipline began to “disintegrate,” they “punished every mistake in ruthless fashion.” A “succession of reckless infringements” from the hosts handed the momentum to the Boks.
The breaking point for France was a “costly yellow card” to Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The Springboks were clinical. André Esterhuizen was driven over from a maul, and Grant Williams sniped through a “splintered” defence. The Paris crowd was silenced as the “remarkable comeback” unfolded.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who kicked two penalties and three conversions, added a try of his own to seal the victory. Rassie Erasmus praised his “wiser, calmer” team, while Fabien Galthié was left to lament his team’s missed chances and disciplinary collapse.