By Marcus Moloko
The Springboks overcame adversity and a hostile Stade de France to defeat France 32 – 17 on Saturday night.
The victory, which also marked Siya Kolisi’s 100th test cap, was a testament to the lineup’s grit and champion pedigree.
Trailing 14 – 6 and reduced to 14 men after lock Lood de Jager was sent off for a dangerous tackle just before halftime, South Africa exemplified an electrifying second-half comeback.
The world champions outscored France 19 – 3 in the final 40 minutes, silencing a crowd that was thirsty for revenge after their heartbreak in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
While France started convincingly with winger Damian Penaud scoring twice to become his country’s all-time leading try scorer, surpassing Serg Blanci’s record, South Africa clawed back through two long-range penalties from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and a solo try by veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who chipped Ramos and regathered to score.
Kolisi’s men reassured forward dominance and punished French mistakes.
Replacement Andre Esterhuizen powered through in the 64th minute to give South Africa the lead for the first time.
Grant Williams then sliced through the defence to extend the margin, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed the win with a convincing run from fullback, finishing with 17 points and the man-of-the-match award.
France, missing injured captain Antoine Dupont, failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Their only second-half points came from a Ramos penalty, as reckless infringements and a yellow card handed control to the Boks.
The result was South Africa’s ninth win in ten matches against France and a great tribute to Kolisi’s leadership.
It also reaffirmed the Springboks’ status as the most resilient team in world rugby, able to absorb pressure, adapt tactically, and deliver when it mattered most.
With the win, the Springboks not only avenged past heartbreak but sent a clear message ahead of the 2026 season, the crown still belonged to …the Boks.
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