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Vincent Clerc of France powers through South Africa - Source: Reuters -
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France matched the physical power of South Africa to secure an
entertaining 20-13 win on Saturday and claim their fourth
successive home victory over the world champions.
Helped by a stiff wind, South Africa were leading 13-11 at halftime
thanks to a soft try scored by captain and prop John Smit, with
first-five Morne Steyn adding the conversion, a penalty and a drop
goal.
However, the Boks struggled in the second half with the breeze in
their face and paid the price for having Steyn and number eight
Ryan Kankowksi sin-binned.
France were determined to add the scalp of the world champions to
that of New Zealand after winning there in June and did so with a
try by wing Vincent Clerc, four penalties from halfback Julien
Dupuy and one by his replacement Morgan Parra.
The tactics of the two teams were obvious from the start.
The Springboks were to stick to the game which led them to their
World Cup triumph and the last Tri Nations title with Steyn and
halfback Fourie du Preez launching a barrage of up-and-unders for
their massive forwards to charge on to.
The French, who had promised before the match they "would not be
lambs for the Springbok butchers", matched the tourists' commitment
at the breakdown and in the scrums from the kickoff.
They were rewarded by Dupuy's first penalty in the sixth minute but
slowly the power of the Springboks and their field kicking started
to drive them back into their own territory.
Yellow cards
Smith was gifted his try after a bad French throw at a five-metre
lineout. Steyn, who had already kicked a penalty and a drop goal,
converted and South Africa were up 13-3 on the half hour.
France replied four minutes later when a forward move on the left
bounced back towards the backs deployed on the right with Vincent
Clerc diving in the corner after a swift pass by centre Maxime
Mermoz.
Dupuy hit the post with a penalty three minutes before the break
but redeemed himself in added times from the same spot, punishing a
late tackle of Steyn on Clerc, which sent the first-five to the
bin.
After the turnaround France enjoyed most of the possession and
territorial advantage and two Dupuy three-pointers had them 17-13
ahead after an hour.
Kankowski's yellow card 10 minutes from time ended South Africa's
hopes and Parra sealed the win.
The final whistle was covered by the roar of the packed Stadium de
Toulouse and a standing ovation followed the French in a slow lap
of honour.
France face Samoa next Saturday at the Stade de France before
hosting New Zealand in Marseille a week later.
South Africa, whose reserve team were beaten by English club side
Leicester last week, travel to Italy before playing Six Nations
champions Ireland in Dublin.
