France defeated South Africa 21-19 in Paris on Friday, ending a six-year losing streak against the Springboks. The match, played at the Stade de France, saw France's captain Antoine Dupont praise the team's mental strength after the narrow victory. Dupont said the win showed France's ability to grind out results in crucial moments.
France's victory came after South Africa's coach Rassie Erasmus made three late changes to his starting line-up, drawing criticism from World Rugby. The decision to alter the lineup at the last minute was seen as a tactical risk, and Erasmus now faces further scrutiny. France's forward Charles Ollivon described the match as a battle of strength, saying both teams were equally determined.
This win marks a significant moment for France, who had not beaten South Africa since 2017. The result was a testament to the team's resilience and tactical discipline. France's defense held firm in the final moments, securing the win with a last-minute try. The victory also boosted the team's confidence ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
