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Antoine Dupont secured a crucial turnover in the dying seconds as France earned a dramatic 21-19 victory against double world champions South Africa at the Stade de France on Friday night. The win allowed France to settle old scores after South Africa shattered their World Cup dreams in 2023 and inflicted another defeat in Paris last year.
A Gritty Win Built on Energy and Resilience
Dupont praised his teammates’ efforts after the match, stating that they compensated for mistakes with unbelievable energy and a remarkable mindset. That collective pride carried France through a bruising second half in which South Africa threatened to overwhelm them with their dominant scrum and rolling maul. The visiting team’s rolling maul functions similarly to the American football ‘tush push’, featuring a massive forward pack protecting the ball at the back. France conceded repeated scrum penalties and struggled to contain the Springboks’ physical pressure, yet managed to become the first northern hemisphere side in more than two years to defeat South Africa.
Tactical Experiment and First-Half Brilliance
Head coach Fabien Galthie navigated an injury crisis by implementing a makeshift back line with roughly 40 minutes of training and video analysis. Dupont wore the No 10 shirt while frequently operating at the base of the ruck, whereas Maxime Lucu wore No 9 but functioned as first receiver. Dupont noted that while the arrangement was imperfect, it allowed the team to win. The opening half saw Lucu deliver a decisive pass for Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang’s opening try in the corner. France also benefited from good fortune when Theo Attissogbe scored following a fortuitous ricochet off teammate Kalvin Gourgues’ face, helping establish a 14-0 lead.
Defensive Heroics Seal the Victory
South Africa responded when Jan-Hendrik Wessels emerged from a rumbling maul to score. However, Dupont continued to influence the match by sending a perfectly weighted kick toward Louis Bielle-Biarrey for another try following a strong surge by Peato Mauvaka. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted that his team was bewildered by France’s tactical setup, stating they were outplayed and outsmarted. Despite Jasper Wiese receiving a red card for a dangerous clear-out, South Africa kept pressing, and Malcolm Marx powered over with nine minutes remaining, though Manie Libbok missed the conversion that would have tied the match. Dupont then helped stop Pieter-Steph du Toit on the line before securing the final turnover as France defended their lead through the second half.
Erasmus expressed frustration with the result and questioned whether his side adapted quickly enough to the referee’s scrum interpretations. Following the final whistle, French players danced on the pitch while supporters continued celebrating in the streets of Paris, successfully banishing anxiety a year out from the World Cup.
