In front of a passionate home crowd, Les Bleus raced into a commanding 21-7 half-time lead after scoring three tries in a devastating 17-minute spell. However, the Springboks fought back strongly in the second half, coming agonisingly close to snatching victory.

South Africa were also hampered by two disciplinary setbacks. Lood de Jager received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, while Jasper Wiese was handed a 20-minute red card early in the second half.

Despite spending significant periods with 14 players, the Boks showed tremendous character and gradually gained control of the forward battle. Their three tries came through lineout drives finished by Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Malcolm Marx, while Cobus Reinach scored from close range.

France made the most of their numerical advantage in the first half. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Theo Attissogbe capitalised on a fortunate bounce to extend the lead.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey added a third try after Antoine Dupont produced a brilliant kick into the corner, leaving the hosts firmly in control.

Wessels gave the visitors some hope with a powerful lineout drive, but France restored their 14-point advantage before the break.

The Springboks' comeback gathered momentum after the interval, despite Wiese's dismissal. Reinach finished off a sustained attacking spell to bring South Africa within seven points.

The Boks continued to apply pressure, with France reduced to 14 players following a yellow card for Grandidier-Nkanang. However, Pieter-Steph du Toit was held up over the line as the visitors searched for another score.

Marx eventually powered over from a lineout maul to bring the Springboks within two points. Unfortunately, replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok missed the conversion, leaving South Africa just short of completing the comeback.

The narrow defeat earned the Boks a losing bonus point, although their position at the top of the southern hemisphere standings could come under threat should New Zealand beat Wales in Cardiff.

Scorers:

France: Tries - Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe, Louis Bielle-Biarrey Conv. - Maxime Lucu 3

Springboks: Tries - Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Reinach, Malcolm Marx Conv. - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport