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France stun South Africa 21-19 in Nations Championship

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In short

Antoine Dupont successfully rotated between flyhalf and scrumhalf to neutralize South Africa's front-row replacements, while tries from Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey paced the French attack. Six points from kicker Maxime Lucu proved decisive in holding off the visitors. South Africa remained competitive through three tries of their own, but Jasper Wiese's upgraded 20-minute red card proved costly. The French triumph reshapes the tournament race as both teams now sit on 21 points in their respective hemisphere tables.

Key points

  • France captured their first win against South Africa at the Stade de France since 2005.: France captured their first win against South Africa at the Stade de France since 2005.
  • The outcome elevated France to first place in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 21 p…: The outcome elevated France to first place in the Northern Hemisphere standings with 21 points.
  • South Africa absorbed their first Nations Championship defeat but kept their lead in the…: South Africa absorbed their first Nations Championship defeat but kept their lead in the Southern Hemisphere table.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

PARIS, Nov 13 : France beat South Africa 21-19 in a tactically intriguing contest on Friday, with Fabien Galthie's side overcoming the world champions after outfoxing Rassie Erasmus in a battle of coaching gambles.

South Africa's wholesale front-row changes had little impact on France's own ploy, with Antoine Dupont named at flyhalf before moving to his customary scrumhalf role during the match.

Dupont played a key role as the Six Nations champions secured their first victory over South Africa at the Stade de France since 2005. Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored France's tries, while Maxime Lucu kicked six points.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Reinach and Malcolm Marx crossed for South Africa, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converting the first two tries. Jasper Wiese was shown a 20-minute red card after his yellow card was upgraded by the bunker review system for a dangerous clear-out at a ruck.

The victory left France on top of the Northern Hemisphere standings on 21 points. South Africa, suffering their first defeat of the Nations Championship, remained top of the Southern Hemisphere table on…

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