South Africa broke the ‘curse’ of their 14-man disadvantage, turning a red card into a catalyst for a “bruising” physical assault that “overwhelmed” France in a 32-17 win. The “sheer physicality” of the Springboks, even after losing Lood de Jager, proved too much for a French side that “disintegrated” under the pressure, surrendering a 14-6 lead.
The match initially followed a script of French redemption. Damian Penaud scored twice to become his country’s all-time leading try-scorer. When De Jager was sent off for a dangerous tackle, the Stade de France was rocking, believing their World Cup revenge was at hand.
But the 14-man Boks emerged “wiser” and “calmer.” They absorbed the French attacks and then imposed their will at the set-piece and breakdown. France, unable to cope, “cracked.” A “succession of reckless infringements” followed, culminating in a yellow card for Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
This was the signal for the Boks to “pounce.” André Esterhuizen was smashed over the line by his pack, and Grant Williams darted through a “splintered” defence. The Boks’ “iron discipline” had won the day.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s late try sealed the “remarkable comeback.” The victory was a testament to the Boks’ champion mentality and their ability to win through “sheer physicality” when tactics are disrupted.
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