France beat world champions South Africa in Nations Championship

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 23:32 · Archive

France defeated world champions South Africa 21-19 in a Nations Championship rugby match in Paris on Friday.

France defeated world champions South Africa 21-19 in a Nations Championship match at the Stade de France on Friday, ending the Springboks' unbeaten record in the competition and their 21-year run without defeat to France at their home stadium.

France's halves Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu controlled the match. Tries from Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, all converted, put France ahead 21-7 by halftime. South Africa scored one try through Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the first half but never led at any point.

South Africa fought back in the second half, closing to 21-14 with 14 men and 30 minutes remaining, but France's desperate scrambling defence held firm. South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit was held up over the tryline in a crucial moment. France conceded nine penalties at the scrum but limited their scoring to the first half despite the pressure.

The match was considered a potential preview of the Nations Championship final at Twickenham in two weeks. France now look set to reach the final representing the northern hemisphere. South Africa could lose their number one world ranking if New Zealand beat Wales on Saturday as expected.

How it is being reported

• France stun world champions in Championship thrillerFrance have caused a major boilover by beating South Africa 21-19 in a gripping Nations Championship clash in Paris.Perth Now · 13 Nov, 23:01
• France stun world champions in Championship thrillerFrance have caused a major boilover by beating South Africa 21-19 in a gripping Nations Championship clash in Paris.The West Australian · 13 Nov, 23:01

In this story: France · South Africa · Antoine Dupont · Maxime Lucu · Stade de France · New Zealand · Twickenham

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