Despite being reduced to 14 men after a halftime red card, South Africa's Springboks staged a comeback to defeat France 32-17 in Paris on November 8, 2025. The victory marked captain Siya Kolisi's 100th Test cap. France led early with two tries from Damian Penaud, but the Springboks dominated the final quarter with 19 unanswered points.
The match at Stade de France drew 80,000 fans, where France started strongly, capitalizing on 66% possession to lead 14-13 at halftime. Winger Damian Penaud scored twice in the first half, including a cross-field kick finish after five minutes and another from a lineout move, becoming France's all-time leading try-scorer with 40. Fullback Thomas Ramos added two conversions and a penalty.
South Africa responded resiliently. Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicked two first-half penalties, and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scored a solo try from a quick scrum penalty advantage, converted by Feinberg-Mngomezulu, narrowing the gap to one point.
Just before halftime, lock Lood de Jager received a red card from referee Angus Gardner for a high tackle on Ramos, leaving the Springboks with 14 players. Yet, they defended stoutly in the second half, conceding no points until the 64th minute when they trailed 17-13.
France's discipline faltered with 13 penalties conceded, including a sin-bin for wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey for a deliberate knock-on. This opened the door for South Africa's surge: centre Andre Esterhuizen scored from a rolling maul, putting the visitors ahead 18-17. Replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams followed with a try from a maul dummy, and Feinberg-Mngomezulu added his own try late, finishing with 17 points overall (one try, three conversions, two penalties).
Captain Siya Kolisi, celebrating his 100th Test—the ninth Springbok to reach the milestone—prioritized the team by substituting himself to allow Esterhuizen's hybrid role at centre and flank. Lock RG Snyman delivered a standout performance off the bench, while No 8 Jasper Wiese and hooker Malcolm Marx were tireless.
The win, two years after South Africa's 29-28 World Cup quarter-final victory over France at the same venue, affirmed the Springboks' status as world champions. Kolisi's journey from poverty in Zwide, Eastern Cape, to two-time World Cup-winning captain underscored the occasion, with his children Nicholas and Keziah present in Paris.
