France edge South Africa 21-19 in Paris thriller

France 21-19 South Africa, Stade de France

France survived a fierce second-half comeback to defeat South Africa 21-19 in the Nations Championship at Stade de France on Friday night.

Despite several injury absences, Fabien Galthié's side built a commanding first-half lead before holding firm under sustained South African pressure.

France Build Commanding First-Half Lead

Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang opened the scoring in the 15th minute after Lood de Jager received a yellow card for a high tackle. Maxime Lucu converted before Théo Attissogbe added France's second try making it 14-0.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels responded for South Africa from a driving maul, but Louis Bielle-Biarrey collected Antoine Dupont's clever kick to score France's third try.

Lucu converted all three, giving the hosts a 21-7 half-time advantage. Dupont, named at fly-half, operated mainly at scrum-half, with Lucu taking the first-receiver role.

Springboks Fight Back Despite Red Card

South Africa suffered another setback when Jasper Wiese received a 20-minute red card for a dangerous ruck clear-out. France struggled with discipline as Lucu was sin-binned for a high tackle, Grandidier-Nkanang for a deliberate knock-on and Régis Montagne following repeated scrum infringements.

However, the visitors fought back through their powerful forwards. Cobus Reinach crossed in the 51st minute, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting.

France Survive Dramatic Finish

Pieter-Steph du Toit was held up over the line before Lucu missed a penalty that could have extended France's advantage.

Malcolm Marx scored from a driving maul in the 72nd minute, but Manie Libbok missed the conversion that would have levelled the scores.

South Africa launched one final attack, but Bielle-Biarrey intervened before Dupont secured possession. Lucu kicked into touch to seal a memorable French victory.