No revenge for the XV of France. The Blues were once again beaten by South Africa (32-17), Saturday November 8 at the Stade de France, two years after their defeat (29-28) against the reigning double world champions on the same pitch in Saint-Denis, in the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup. Two years before the next World Cup in Australia, Fabien Galthié’s men, beaten four tries to two by the Springboks who were nevertheless reduced to 14 all the second half, measured the distance they still have to go to hope for a first world title.
The trauma of the World Cup still present. They hoped to heal once and for all, but the trauma is not yet behind them. Quite the contrary. Two years after the cruel quarter-final of the World Cup lost by one point at the same place, the XV of France failed to erase this memory against the Springboks that the Blues have only beaten once in ten matches for fifteen years: in Marseille, in 2022 (30-26). Saturday evening, the new French defeat (32-17) further accentuates the gap that still exists between the two teams.
Even at 14, the Springboks are progressing. However, the XV of France had started very well and above all, had been able to benefit from a game in their favor with this definitive red card directly and logically inflicted on Lood De Jager for a dangerous and too high tackle on Thomas Ramos (40th). But, even at 14, South Africa managed to find the physical and mental resources to disgust this XV of France, finally worn out and which conceded three new tries after the break!
Damian Penaud, a historic record. On this bad evening, the Blues will at least have had the joy of experiencing a historic moment for French rugby. Author of a double for his 57th selection, winger Damian Penaud thus became the best try scorer (40) in the French XV, surpassing the legend Serge Blanco (38).
