France hold nerve to edge past South Africa in thriller
France defeated South Africa 21-19 in a highly competitive rugby match at the Stade de France. The victory strengthens France's position in the Nations Championship standings while impacting South Africa's tournament hopes.
Why it matters
This result significantly alters the competitive landscape of the Nations Championship, affecting the qualification paths for major rugby nations.
Figure caption, Highlights: France narrowly beat South Africa in thriller in Paris
Tries: Grandidier-Nkanang, Attissogbe, Bielle-Biarrey Cons: Lucu (3)
Tries: Wessels, Reinach, Marx Cons: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2)
France held on to end their five-match losing run against South Africa at Stade de France with an enthralling 21-19 victory in Paris.
The victory dents the world champions' hopes of reaching the Nations Championship final and puts Les Bleus in a strong position to top the northern hemisphere standings.
The hosts, inspired by their captain Antoine Dupont, showed their class and skill to score three tries in a frantic first half.
France's back three of Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey all crossed in a thrilling opening 40 minutes, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels scoring off the back of a maul for the visitors.
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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