France humble South Africa 57-10 to top Pool D

France produced a commanding all-round performance to dismantle South Africa 57–10 in their final Pool D fixture at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Northampton.

With a blend of sharp attacking lines, forward dominance, and defensive discipline, the French side booked their quarter-final spot in emphatic style, topping the group and sending a strong message to title contenders.

The scoring opened in the ninth minute, when fullback Émilie Boulard finished off a flowing French move to score in the corner. Lina Queyroi’s conversion attempt from the touchline sailed wide, but the hosts were up and running.

South Africa responded briefly with a penalty goal in the 14th minute, courtesy of fly-half Byrhandré Dolf, closing the gap to 5–3.

Just minutes later, France reasserted control. Gabrielle Vernier crashed over the line in the 19th minute after sustained pressure, and this time Queyroi added the extras.

Then came a major turning point. In the 25th minute, South African centre Chumisa Qawe was shown a red card for a high tackle on Pauline Bourdon Sansus. The incident, upgraded by the TMO bunker review, reduced South Africa to 14 players for the remaining 55 minutes.

France capitalised instantly. From the ensuing possession, flanker Charlotte Escudero powered over in the 26th minute, with Queyroi slotting the conversion to make it 19–3.

Agathe Gérin added another just before half-time, dotting down in the 38th minute. Queyroi’s conversion attempt missed again, but France took a 24–3 lead into the break.

In the second half, France ramped up the pressure even further. Boulard claimed her second try of the match in the 44th minute, followed by a successful conversion from Morgane Bourgeois, who had taken over the kicking duties.

Joanna Grisez got in on the act in the 51st minute with a try of her own, though Bourgeois missed the conversion this time. France still led 36–3.

As the Springbok defense tired, France continued to pile on the points. Prop Annaëlle Deshaye touched down in the 62nd minute, Grisez grabbed her second in the 75th, and Alexandra Chambon added a ninth try in the 79th minute. Bourgeois converted all three, taking France to a dominant 57–3 lead.

In the dying moments, South Africa found a spark. Fullback Nadine Roos produced the moment of the match from a Springbok perspective, slicing through the French line with a 50-metre solo run to score under the posts. Dolf converted to make the final score 57–10, adding a touch of consolation to an otherwise one-sided affair.