Springboks
France rugby team falls to South Africa at Stade de France
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France's rugby team suffered a heavy defeat to South Africa (17-32) on Saturday at Stade de France, despite a strong start and a numerical advantage in the second half. Damian Penaud made history by scoring his 40th try for France, surpassing Serge Blanco's record. The Springboks, down to 14 players after a red card, turned the game around with a dominant second half.
South Africa's Springboks face a demanding 2026 season with up to 13 Test matches, including a Nations Championship and four games against New Zealand. Coach Rassie Erasmus is focusing on squad depth, particularly at lock, to handle the gruelling schedule ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Recent injuries and aging players highlight the need for careful management.
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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has extended his contract until 2031, securing his leadership through the next Rugby World Cup in the United States. The 53-year-old, who guided South Africa to back-to-back world titles, will focus solely on the national team after stepping away from his director of rugby role.
South Africa's Springboks secured a 32-17 victory over France in Paris, thanks in part to André Esterhuizen's dual role as centre and flank. The plan, devised by coach Rassie Erasmus, proved crucial after lock Lood de Jager's red card. Esterhuizen's versatility helped the team dominate the second half despite playing with 14 men.
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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.
A decade has passed since South Africa's Springboks suffered a humiliating 34-32 defeat to Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, an event dubbed the 'Miracle of Brighton' that marked a turning point for the sport in the country. The loss exposed deep flaws in the national team's preparation and led to a period of decline. Now, ahead of a rematch, reflections highlight lessons learned under coach Rassie Erasmus.
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South Africa's Springboks have named an exciting lineup for their match against Japan on November 1 at Wembley Stadium, featuring Cheslin Kolbe at fullback and a debut for prop Zachary Porthen. The team boasts 1,097 combined caps despite the outside the international window constraints. Coach Rassie Erasmus highlighted the squad's depth and the return of key players from injury.