World champions South Africa pulled off an impressive comeback to beat France 32–17, despite playing most of the second half with 14 men. The match, played in Saint-Denis, was the first time the two teams met since South Africa edged France out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
France took a narrow 14–13 lead into halftime, thanks to two tries from Damian Penaud, who also became his country’s all-time leading try scorer with 39. Things looked even better for the hosts when Springbok lock Lood De Jager received a red card for a dangerous tackle on fullback Thomas Ramos, leaving South Africa a man down for the rest of the game.
But France failed to capitalise on their advantage. A deliberate knock-on by Louis Bielle-Biarrey reduced them to 14 men as well, and the Springboks immediately seized the moment. A rolling maul off a lineout allowed André Esterhuizen to score, and shortly after, replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams broke through the defence for another try that crushed France’s momentum.
Ramos admitted the defeat hurt, saying France must stop dwelling on the past and rebuild confidence. Earlier in the match, sloppy defending had allowed Cobus Reinach to sprint through midfield for a solo score that kept South Africa in touch.
South Africa’s defence stayed strong, even after captain Siya Kolisi — celebrating his 100th Test appearance — left the field shortly after halftime. France managed a penalty from Ramos just before the hour mark, but it wasn’t enough, and the team visibly faded in the closing stages.
Kolisi was seen cheering passionately from the sideline as the Springboks finished the match with a dominant surge, securing a hard-fought win despite the early red card setback.