Damian Penaud’s historic, record-breaking tries became a mere footnote to an evening of French regret, as Les Bleus collapsed 32-17 against a 14-man South Africa. Penaud surpassed Serge Blanco, but his celebration was “spoiled” by a second-half “disintegration” that saw France “crack under pressure” and hand the “remarkable comeback” to the resilient Springboks.
The match began as a coronation for Penaud. He crossed the line twice, and with South Africa’s Lood de Jager sent off before half-time, France was in “full control.” The stage was set to avenge their World Cup heartbreak.
However, the 14-man Springboks “overwhelmed Les Bleus through sheer physicality and composure” in the second half. While France committed a “succession of reckless infringements,” the Boks showed “iron discipline.” The pressure told when Louis Bielle-Biarrey was sin-binned, erasing the French advantage.
South Africa was clinical. André Esterhuizen powered over from a maul, and Grant Williams darted through a “splintered” defence. The Boks “punished every mistake in ruthless fashion,” silencing the Stade de France.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s late try, which he converted himself, capped the four-try performance. The loss extends France’s losing streak, leaving Fabien Galthié to rue “three clear chances” his team “should have scored.”
