France v South Africa: Springboks loss gives All Blacks opportunity to make Nations Championship final
France's victory over the Springboks has opened a path for the All Blacks to reach the Nations Championship final. To qualify, New Zealand must win their remaining matches against Wales and England.
Why it matters
The outcome of these matches determines the inaugural Nations Championship final lineup, impacting international rugby rankings and tournament prestige.
The All Blacks hold their destiny in their own hands.
A strong performance by France in a fast and furious game of rugby in Paris saw Les Bleus come out on top against the Springboks.
If the All Blacks win both their remaining Nations Championship fixtures against Wales and England they will make the competition’s inaugural final, likely playing France, who hold a commanding lead at the top of the Northern Hemisphere group.
The Springboks top the Southern Hemisphere group for now with a bonus-point loss, but will need the All Blacks to give them a helping hand if they want to play in the final at Twickenham on November 29.
France entered the game with Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu, their first- and second-choice halfbacks, on the pitch at the same time, with Dupont donning the No 10 jersey.
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12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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