In the build-up to the clash, much of the talk centred on France’s thirst for revenge after the Springboks’ narrow one-point victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Saint-Denis. And when the Boks were reduced to 14 men on the stroke of half-time following Lood de Jager’s controversial red card, it felt as though Les Bleus might finally have their retribution.

The French struck first in just the third minute, when winger Damian Penaud soared over for the opening try, becoming his country’s all-time leading try-scorer. South Africa hit back through two penalties from young flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, though the rookie also missed two later on.

Penaud bagged his brace in the 26th minute to pile on the pressure, but five minutes later, Bloemfontein-born Cobus Reinach hit back in vintage fashion. The 35-year-old scrumhalf, lightning-quick as ever, darted over after a moment of individual brilliance to keep the Boks in the contest.

Then came the moment of contention, and perhaps when the Boks’ spark was lit. Two minutes before the break, De Jager was shown a straight red card for what many felt was a marginally reckless tackle on fullback Thomas Ramos. 

With several mitigating factors ignored, the decision should have gone to a bunker review instead, but referee Angus Gardner opted for red. It’s the same official, notably, who saw nothing wrong with Owen Farrell’s infamous shoulder charge on André Esterhuizen at Twickenham years ago. Ramos, meanwhile, was not immediately sent for a head injury assessment as required by protocol.

Les Bleus went into half-time leading 14-13 - and with a man advantage.

Has that decided it!? ??

Grant Williams does it himself to extend the Springboks' lead ????? pic.twitter.com/RFkFhyXjZm

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 8, 2025

At the start of the second half, Esterhuizen stepped up heroically, filling the roles of both flank and outside centre, while captain Siya Kolisi was the man sacrificed.

France came out like a house on fire, launching wave after wave of attack, but the Bok defence held firm. Ramos slotted a penalty in the 58th minute to stretch the lead – yet moments later, the match turned dramatically. 

‘Boks pounced immediately’

Winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knockdown in the red zone, and the Boks pounced immediately. From the resulting maul, Esterhuizen powered over, giving South Africa the lead for the first time.

The silence at Stade de France was almost deafening. South Africa fought their way back into the Test through sheer resilience and determination – the thing that sets the Boks apart from any team in the world.

Just six minutes later, replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams darted over under the posts to extend the advantage. But the Boks weren’t finished. With France back to their full complement, man of the match Feinberg-Mngomezulu dived in for the fourth try, though not before a lengthy and almost farcical TMO delay. 

It seemed the officials were desperate to find a reason to disallow it, until Gardner finally reminded his colleague by the television screen of the laws of the game, and the try stood.

‘Defiant victory for South Africa’

This was an emotional and defiant victory for South Africa – a measure of vindication for the 2022 Marseille Test, when the Boks lost 30-26 after Pieter-Steph du Toit’s red card.

Next up, the Boks travel to Italy to face the Azzurri at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday. Kick-off at the iconic San Siro is scheduled for 14:40.

France: Tries – Damian Penaud Conv. – Thomas Ramos Pen. – Ramos

Springboks: Tries – Cobus Reinach, André Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, Feinberg-Mngomezulu Conv. – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 3 Pen. –  Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg