The French pushed up their 11-game winning streak to 12 and secured a first ever win over the World Champions in more than 12 years. As victorious as this may be for the French, the win is also being scrutinised for a controversial try. 

The 74th minute saw a decisive score from France which secured a last minute victory over the Springboks. The French tighthead prop, Sipili Faletea, scored a try that is being frowned upon due to Faletea making a double movement. Referee, Wayne Barnes, proceeded to award the try, pushing the French to the win. 

A penalty in the 79th minute by Thomas Ramos further extended Les Blues’ lead, ultimately securing their 30-26 win over the South Africans. 

In what has been an upsetting result for the Boks end-of-year tour thus far, the South Africans are currently facing a 0-2 score overall with games against Italy and England still looming.

On the positive side, the team’s goal kicking issue seems to be looking up with Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse each securing penalties and conversions respectively.

The End-of-Year Tour is being viewed as preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup and the side can use this time and losses to iron out any kinks heading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. 

The next game on tour sees South Africa facing Italy in Genoa. 

Try Scorers:

Springboks: Siya Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse

Conversations: Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe

Penalties: Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk

Les Blues: Cyril Baille, Sipili Faletea

Conversions: Thomas Ramos

Penalties: Thomas Ramos

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport