Springboks beat France 18-17 in Paris

South Africa narrowly edged to an 18-17 win over France in a tight contest at the Stade de France.

The Springboks claimed an 8-0 lead by the 20-minute mark after Dillyn Leyds' opening try, and although fly-half Handre Pollard missed the conversion, he slotted a penalty.

France hit back with Anthony Belleau converting his own try as Les Bleus trailed the visitors 8-7 at half-time.

Belleau edged the hosts ahead with a penalty before Pollard replied in kind as the lead exchanged hands again, with France scrum-half Baptiste Serin shown a yellow card.

Jesse Kriel crossed for South Africa's second try, which Pollard converted, and Serin returned to score a try of his own but even with Belleau's conversion it was not enough to give France the victory.


France v South Africa - Match Highlights


France v South Africa - Match Stats

France: (7) 17
Try: Belleau (27'), Serin (76')
Conversion: Belleau (28', 77')
Penalty: Belleau (48')

South Africa: (8) 18
Try: Leyds (7'), Kriel (62')
Conversion: Pollard (63')
Penalty: Pollard (18', 59')

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