France 17-32 South Africa: The Springboks win in Paris despite Loud de Jager’s red card

World champions South Africa completed another memorable win over France in Paris despite playing more than half of their autumn internationals at the Stade de France with 14 men.

It was the first meeting between the two teams since the Springboks beat hosts France in a thrilling Rugby World Cup quarter-final at the same venue in October 2023.

It looked like the end was near, but South Africa gained momentum after the yellow card received by Louis-Biel-Pyare in the second half and secured the victory.

France led 14-13 at the end of a thrilling first half that included Damien Penaud becoming France’s all-time top scorer with his first two goals, a brilliant individual reply from South African half-half Cobus Reinach and a red card for Springboks lock Lode de Jager.

De Jager came into contact with the head of French full-back Thomas Ramos with his shoulder, and referee Angus Gardner sent him off before the end of the first half.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus responded by removing his captain Siya Kolisi, marking his 100th appearance, and bringing in Andre Esterhuizen to play a hybrid role alternating between the back row and midfield.

Ramos, who brilliantly set up and converted both of Benno’s efforts, added a penalty in the second half to extend the lead over France to four points, but more importantly, South Africa remained in touch.

Winger Bill Peare was taken down for a deliberate tackle, and almost immediately, South Africa took the lead for the first time when Easterhuizen touched down from a rolling strike.

With Kolisi cheering on his teammates from the touchline, late tries from Grant Williams and Sascha Weinberg-Mngomezulu sealed a remarkable win, the Springboks’ ninth in 10 Tests against France.

“Our captain had to be replaced because we had to have Andre, who can play freely in attack and midfield, on the field,” South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said.

“It was a tough call for the captain. When we said that to him, he kissed it on the chin.

“Credit to the whole team. Some say they’ve gotten older. They’ve become wiser and calmer.”

Ramos said the difference was South Africa’s ability to turn pressure into points.

He said: “We had too many chances as we broke the goal line and did not score after that.”

“In the first half, we gave them 13 points very easily. They are decisive – when they get within five metres, they score.

“They try and then they come back and score again. They’re not two-time world champions for nothing. Honestly, I think we played the game to beat this team.”