France v South Africa LIVE: Springboks stunned by hosts in epic finish to heavyweight clash

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(Reuters)

France stunned South Africa in an epic collision of heavyweights as Antoine Dupont inspired a 21-19 Nations Championship success in Paris.

Les Bleus clung on at the last despite struggling mightily at the scrum in the second half and losing three players to the sin bin during the course of the 80 minutes. Steered by the playmaking partnership of Dupont and Maxime Lucu, the hosts had roared into a 21-7 half-time lead with some scintillating attacking rugby, rocking the world champions.

The Springboks roared back after the interval, though, despite losing Jasper Wiese to a red card after an ugly ruck clearout. South Africa looked the favourites to snatch victory after a late maul try from Malcolm Marx, but Manie Libbok failed to level with the conversion from the tee – and despite plenty of toil, they could not force a last opportunity to take the win.

Follow all of the latest from the Stade de France with our live blog below:

How Antoine Dupont emerged from the chaos to inspire France to epic win over South Africa

How good was Antoine Dupont? Some win from France, with their captain fantastique right at the heart of it:

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 23:05

Here is Antoine Dupont

“I’m tired. You know when you play those guys, it is going to be really intense for 80 minutes. It was very hard today with the yellow cards, but we kept the intensity for 80 minutes, which was key.

“We tried to adapt. We tried with Maxime to have the best combination possible in attack and defence. It wasn’t easy, but with the help of the entire team, it worked.”

Antoine Dupont secures possession at the last as France cling on
Antoine Dupont secures possession at the last as France cling on (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:33

FT: France 21-19 South Africa

That’s South Africa’s first defeat in the Nations Championship, of course. Not that it really matters – that was all about tonight, rather than any pool permutations.

There’s still a decent chance we see these two dance again at Twickenham on finals weekend in a fortnight, mind. One wouldn’t mind that. Wouldn’t mind that at all.

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:26

FT: France 21-19 South Africa

Nine scrum penalties against France. That is some win given the circumstances. It was fitting that Antoine Dupont was the man to grasp the loose ball after that Louis Bielle-Biarrey howitzer. Magnifique.

(Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:24

FT: France 21-19 South Africa

Bedlam in Paris. What a game, what a finish, what a win. No fly halves, no scrum, no problem.

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:19

FULL TIME! France 21-19 South Africa

(Reuters)
Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:17

France 21-19 South Africa, 80 minutes

This is extraordinary. Two of the best teams in the world are still knocking eight bells out of one another. South Africa make a few metres; France hit them back. Maxime Lamothe jackals…no dice. No penalty.

LOUIS BIELLE-BIARREY! What a tackle from the wing, Jesse Kriel rocked, the ball popping free! Antoine Dupont is on to it! France survive – and knock off the world champions!

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:16

France 21-19 South Africa, 79 minutes

“Both to ground, use it!” France survive. South Africa will have to find a penalty and their points a different way. Into the last 60 seconds. The Springboks play aimlessly near halfway, trying to buy something.

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:14

France 21-19 South Africa, 79 minutes

Regis Montagne has returned from the sin bin, rested and recharged perhaps? He needs the scrum of his life here.

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:13

France 21-19 South Africa, 78 minutes

Loose ball! But knocked on by French hands! It’ll be a South Africa scrum…and we know where that usually ends.

Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang just couldn’t quite grasp it. Agonising for the wing, who throws his hands to his heads. This would be within range for most kickers – and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back out there with Ethan Hooker off for a head injury assessment about two minutes ago. That could be key.

Harry Latham-Coyle13 November 2026 22:13
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