France edge South Africa 21-19 in Paris thriller to end five-match losing run

France beat world champions South Africa 21-19 at Stade de France in Paris on Friday (November 13) in round five of the Nations Championship. Les Bleus led 21-7 at half-time and held on through a fierce second-half Springbok fightback to protect a two-point lead until the final whistle.

Three first-half tries and a 21-7 lead

France scored three tries in 17 first-half minutes: Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang (15th minute), Théo Attissogbe (24th) and Louis Bielle-Biarrey (32nd), all converted by Maxime Lucu. South Africa replied through Jan-Hendrik Wessels in the 30th minute, and France led 21-7 at the break.

Holding off the fightback as Dupont takes player of the match

South Africa turned to their power game after the break, scoring through Cobus Reinach (51st minute) and Malcolm Marx (72nd) to close to 21-19, even after No. 8 Jasper Wiese received a 20-minute red card. Captain Antoine Dupont, playing at fly-half, steered the side, was named player of the match and won the closing ruck to seal the win. France were badly hit by injuries, with several front-line players missing and hooker Julien Marchand pulling out shortly before kick-off with a thigh strain.

First win over South Africa in Paris since 2005

It is France's first win over South Africa in Paris since 2005, ends a five-match losing run against the Springboks, and is only their second victory in the past 11 meetings between the sides. France stay top of the northern hemisphere standings and host Argentina at the same stadium next Saturday (November 21); the Nations Championship finals take place in London from November 27 to 29. South Africa suffered their first defeat of the inaugural tournament, denting their hopes of reaching the final.

Sources: BBC; NBC Sports; TNT Sports; Planet Rugby.