World champions South Africa staged a stunning comeback to defeat France 32–17 in a bruising Autumn International in Paris, overturning a 14–6 deficit and the first-half red card to lock Lood de Jager.
Les Bleus, seeking revenge for their heartbreaking 29–28 World Cup quarter-final loss two years ago, appeared in control early on. Damian Penaud’s brace made him France’s all-time leading try scorer with 40, surpassing the legendary Serge Blanco.
But discipline proved France’s undoing. A flurry of infringements and a yellow card opened the door for the relentless Springboks, who pounced on every mistake.
Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all crossed the whitewash for South Africa, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu adding two penalties and three conversions to seal the victory.
Despite playing a man down for the entire second half, the Boks’ power and composure shone through as France’s challenge crumbled under pressure.
South Africa now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash against Ireland on Saturday, 22 November, the fourth stop of their five-match November tour.
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