Get ready for an epic rugby showdown as France and South Africa, two of the sport's giants, face off in a highly anticipated grudge match!
The Battle of the Champions
It's been two years since their thrilling Rugby World Cup quarter-final encounter, and now these international heavyweights are back at it, this time in Paris. The last time they met, the Springboks edged out the hosts by a single point on their way to back-to-back competition victories. This game promises to be just as intense and closely fought, pitting the Six Nations champions against the Rugby Championship winners.
A Captain's Milestone and a Quest for Revenge
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, a true legend of the game, earns his 100th cap in this fixture. His side, fresh from a win over Japan in their November opener, will be looking to continue their dominance. Meanwhile, France, led by veteran centre Gael Fickou in the absence of Antoine Dupont, aim to gain some revenge for their 2023 defeat. Can they turn the tables on their conquerors?
Live Updates from the Stade de France
Follow along with our live blog as the action unfolds:
France 7-6 South Africa, 25 mins:
The hits are flying in from all angles! Willemse drops the ball just meters from his own line, and the French defense senses an opportunity, buzzing around for a turnover.
Pieter-Steph du Toit's tough carry gives South Africa some breathing room, but France keeps coming.
France 7-6 South Africa, 23 mins:
France makes some solid gains with a series of carries, including a strong run from Barassi. Ntamack chips ahead for Penaud, but Willemse is there to gather it.
Good news for the Boks as De Jager passes his HIA, allowing Nortje to return to the field.
MISSED PENALTY! France 7-6 South Africa, 20 mins:
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu misses from long range, to the jeers of the crowd. Another chance goes begging.
France 7-6 South Africa, 20 mins:
Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets another chance to redeem himself with a penalty attempt. Can he make it count this time?
MISSED PENALTY! France 7-6 South Africa, 19 mins:
Willemse shows great skill, chasing down his own kick and plucking it out of the air. But Boudehent's illegal challenge on Etzebeth gives South Africa a penalty. The Boks opt for the posts, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu's kick lacks direction and goes wide.
France 7-6 South Africa, 16 mins:
France's kick-off is contestable, and Barassi's over-exuberance sees him collide illegally with Etzebeth, giving South Africa an early platform in enemy territory. Les Bleus defend well, but Willemse's return down the wing and a clever offload keep the Boks in the game.
PENALTY! France 7-6 South Africa (Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 14 mins):
The young Springbok fly-half makes no mistake, cutting the lead to one point.
France 7-3 South Africa, 13 mins:
Les Bleus' scrum is under pressure, and the Boks' ferocious pack wins a penalty. Feinberg-Mngomezulu points to the posts, making a bold statement.
France 7-3 South Africa, 11 mins:
A blow for the Boks as Lood de Jager goes off for a HIA, with Ruan Nortje coming on. A strong bench option for the Springboks.
PENALTY! France 7-3 South Africa (Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 mins):
The Boks respond well, with Du Toit winning the penalty at the breakdown. Feinberg-Mngomezulu steps up and splits the posts from long range. A great start for the young kicker.
