French Revenge Plot Fails as 14-Man Boks Show Champion Class

France’s plot for World Cup revenge failed spectacularly as they were “overwhelmed” by the champion class of a 14-man South Africa, losing 32-17. Despite holding a man advantage for 40 minutes, Les Bleus “cracked under pressure,” and their discipline “disintegrated,” allowing the “wiser, calmer” Springboks to stage a “remarkable comeback.”
The match began as a French dream. Damian Penaud scored two “irresistible” tries to break the national record. When Lood de Jager was sent off, the Stade de France was roaring for a revenge victory.
But the Springboks showed their “iron discipline.” They weathered the French storm and then pounced on the hosts’ “reckless infringements.” A “costly yellow card” to Louis Bielle-Biarrey was the turning point, “handing the initiative” to the Boks.
South Africa was “ruthless.” André Esterhuizen (maul) and Grant Williams (darting run) scored in quick succession, silencing the crowd. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s flawless boot and late try sealed the win.
Fabien Galthié lamented “three clear chances” missed, but the reality was a French collapse. The loss, their fourth straight, and ninth in ten against the Boks, deepens their current crisis.