adminParis. — South Africa cemented their status as the second best rugby team on the planet with a 19-10 win over France in Paris on Saturday.
Having already beaten Six Nations champions Wales 24-15 and crushed Scotland 28-0 on their November tour to the northern hemisphere, the Springboks ensured they ended their year with a 10th win in 12 matches.
Only world champions and undisputed number one team New Zealand have managed to beat South Africa in 2013. And the hosts never looked capable of causing an upset at the Stade de France despite the close scoreline, as South Africa dominated particularly in terms of territory.
Before the match South Africa captain Jean de Villiers had spoken of the need to start well and not give away an early try, as they had done on their last visit to France.
His team were paying attention, but not the hosts.
With the game barely a minute old, Morgan Parra’s clearing kick from his own 22 was charged down by JP Pietersen, who then had an easy chase to touch down for the opening try, converted by Morne Steyn.
That set the tone for an error-strewn first half from Les Bleus. — AFP.
Online Reporter