Wasted chances cost France chance to beat South Africa
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South African locks Eben Etzebeth (left) and R.G. Snyman carries captain Siya Kolisi after his 100th Springbok appearance ends in a 32-17 win over France.
PHOTO: AFP
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PARIS – France paid the price for wastefulness while South Africa were ruthlessly clinical, Les Bleus’ coach Fabien Galthie said after his side’s 32-17 defeat by the world champions in their autumn international on Nov 8.
France led 14-6 at the Stade de France after two Damian Penaud tries and dominated territory for long spells but failed to convert their chances, allowing the Springboks to turn the game around, despite playing with 14 men for the entire second half.
“Around the 60th minute, we had three clear chances where we should have scored,” Galthie told a press conference.
“After the 60th, they won penalties in midfield, pushed into our half and attacked hard with great efficiency.”
“Their second halves are always powerful and effective. They still have the same strengths, but they’ve developed them,” the former France captain added.
“We prepare to win, but we also have to accept defeat. It’s a great team but our players worked hard.”
Cobus Reinach scored the Springboks’ sole first-half try before Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all crossed the line in the last 20 minutes.
France fullback Thomas Ramos said the difference was South Africa’s ability to turn pressure into points.
“We had far too many chances where we broke their line and didn’t score afterwards,” he said.
“In the first half, we gave them 13 points far too easily. They’re clinical – when they get within five metres, they score.
“A try, then they come back and they score again. They’re not double world champions for nothing. Honestly, I think we played the match to beat this team.”
The Test also marked South Africa captain Siya Kolisi’s 100th appearance for the Boks.
Kolisi, who rose from humble beginnings in Zwide township to become South Africa’s first black captain and a two-time World Cup winner, was taken off as part of a tactical plan that helped the Springboks manage the game after lock Lood de Jager’s red card left them a man short for the second half.
His calm authority during a game of fluctuating emotions encapsulated the qualities that have made him a unifying figure far beyond sport.
“You saw the way they started – making breaks, coming at us – but we didn’t panic,” Kolisi told reporters.
“The coolness remained. We put the team first and that’s what we did today. It’s not easy – you have to put emotions aside. We always make decisions for the team. Then it’s all good.”
Coach Rassie Erasmus, who appointed Kolisi captain in 2018, praised the skipper’s influence.
“You have to make plans in attack and defence, break the line and stay calm when it matters most,” he said.
“A lot of people say they’re getting older, but they’re wiser and calmer under pressure. Siya controls the climate, the vibe of the team very well – he can create an environment for the team.”
Erasmus added that South Africa’s experience was key in an intimidating atmosphere.
“Playing here, the French can be so proud of their supporters – it was intimidating – but we’ve been through this in 2023 (when South Africa beat France in the World Cup quarter-finals), and the experience of the players made the difference.”
At the Stadio Friuli in Udine on Nov 8, Italy beat Australia 26-19, only their second-ever win over the Wallabies, thanks to tries by Melbourne-born Monty Ioane and Louis Lynagh, the Treviso-born son of one of the greatest Wallabies, Michael Lynagh.
Matt Faessler, Angus Bell and Carter Gordon all crossed the line for Australia, who have won just five of 13 Tests in 2025.
Meanwhile, Ireland beat Japan 41-10 at Lansdowne Road, while England saw off Fiji 38-18 at Twickenham. REUTERS, AFP
