France hold off South Africa to end five-match losing run

France beat South Africa 21-19 in Paris to end a five-match losing run against the world champions, strengthening their bid to top the Northern Hemisphere standings in the Nations Championship.

Les Bleus scored all 21 of their points before half-time through tries by Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, with Maxime Lucu converting each. South Africa replied with a try from Jan-Hendrik Wessels to trail 21-7 at the break.

The Springboks fought back after Jasper Wiese was shown a 20-minute red card early in the second half. Replacement scrum-half Cobus Reinach and hooker Malcolm Marx scored, but Manie Libbok missed the conversion after Marx’s try that would have levelled the match. France, who did not score after the interval, held on as South Africa pushed for a winning score.

Captain Antoine Dupont was named player of the match. He wore the number 10 shirt but was largely used at scrum-half, with France missing their three first-choice fly-halves through injury.

The result dents South Africa’s hopes of reaching the final and puts France six points clear at the top of the Northern Hemisphere standings, according to BBC Sport. France face Argentina next Saturday; the final is scheduled for 29 November at Allianz Stadium. France’s win also affects England and Ireland, who are competing with them for a place in the final.