The highly anticipated Rugby showdown between South Africa and France took place on November 8, 2025, at the Stade de France. This match marked a significant meeting between the two teams, being their first encounter since their tight quarterfinal clash in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Springboks, ranked as the world’s top rugby team, demonstrated their strength despite playing with a numerical disadvantage.
Match Overview
The final score highlighted South Africa’s dominance, ending at 3217. Although France made a solid start, South Africa’s resilience shone through in the latter stages of the game, showcasing their tactical prowess even after losing a player to a red card.
Key Moments
- First Half Highlights:
- Damian Penaud opened the scoring for France with two tries, both set up by Thomas Ramos.
- South Africa’s Sacha FeinbergMngomezulu attempted several penalty goals, converting two to keep the Springboks in the game.
- Lood de Jager received a red card before halftime for a high tackle, jeopardizing South Africa’s chances.
- Second Half Turning Point:
- South Africa shifted strategy, focusing on lineouts and mauls, leading to three secondhalf tries.
- Notable tries came from Andre Esterhuizen and Grant Williams, pushing South Africa into a commanding lead.
Scoring Breakdown
| Time | Team | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ | France | 7 | Damian Penaud try set up by Thomas Ramos. |
| 27′ | France | 14 | Penaud’s second try, assisted again by Ramos. |
| 33′ | South Africa | 13 | Cobus Reinach scores after a magical solo effort. |
| 64′ | South Africa | 18 | Try by Andre Esterhuizen, following sustained pressure. |
| 71′ | South Africa | 25 | Grant Williams scores, extending the lead further. |
| 77′ | South Africa | 32 | Sacha FeinbergMngomezulu adds one more try. |
Conclusion
This match solidified South Africa’s standing as the premier rugby nation, maintaining their number one rank in the world. Their ability to adapt and dominate under pressure, even with 14 players, showcased their championship caliber. France, although promising early in the game, could not hold onto their lead as the Springboks exploited the fatigue in the French squad.
As both teams move forward, this match serves as a significant benchmark for their respective journeys in future international competitions.