Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored a try and forced a turnover to secure a 21-19 victory for France over South Africa at the Stade de France on Friday night.
The win ended a four-year winless run against the back-to-back world champions. Fabien Galthié’s side built a 21-7 lead by halftime before weathering a fierce second-half comeback from the Springboks.
South Africa clawed back to 21-19 by the 72nd minute, pinning the hosts deep in their own territory during a frantic closing sequence. Bielle-Biarrey delivered a massive tackle on Jesse Kriel, jarring the ball loose from the South African center.
Antoine Dupont then secured the loose ball with a diving recovery just ahead of the advancing Springbok backfield to run down the remaining clock.
Bielle-Biarrey proved instrumental throughout the high-intensity fixture in Paris. The Union Bordeaux Bègles winger previously gathered a precise grubber kick from his captain in the 32nd minute to score France’s third try of the opening period.
The defensive stop in the dying moments added to his impact on the match. France held firm through the final phases despite relentless pressure from the visiting forwards.
TF1+ broadcast the post-match reactions and analysis following the final whistle. The victory is the first time Les Bleus have beaten a South African lineup that had dominated recent encounters between the two nations.
The scoreboard reflected a game of two distinct halves as France controlled the opening forty minutes. South Africa responded with physical dominance after the break, narrowing the deficit to two points before the decisive turnover.
France entered the match looking to overturn a four-year drought against the Springboks. The final 21-19 scoreline preserved the narrow lead established during the first-half surge.
Fabien Galthié’s squad managed the closing moments through disciplined defense and critical individual interventions from their leadership group. The result stands as one of the most notable home victories for the French side in recent autumn international windows.
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