France vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Les Bleus snatch thrilling win from remarkable Test
France 30-26 South Africa: Les Bleus snatched victory as both teams had a man sent off in an incredible Test match
France extended their impressive winning run to 12 games as they tamed South Africa 30-26 at the Stade Velodrome after a nail-biting contest.
Les Bleus had scrum-half Antoine Dupont sent off in the second half after the world champions were also reduced to 14 men following Pieter-Steph du Toit’s early exclusion.
But a strong finish, with a late try by forward Sipili Falatea and a last-gasp penalty by Thomas Ramos, earned Fabien Galthie’s side another win a week after they edged out Australia 30-29 in Paris.
South Africa were always close thanks to penalties by Cheslin Kolbe, as well as tries from Siya Kolisi and Kurt-Lee Arendse, but France were just a cut above, less than a year before they host the World Cup.
Relive all the action from France vs South Africa with our live blog below:
Rugby World Cup final - Sarah Hunter hails ‘special group’ of Red Roses after England heartbreak
England captain Sarah Hunter saluted a “special group” of Red Roses after the heartbreak of World Cup final defeat against New Zealand.
England went down 34-31, having played more than an hour with 14 on the field after Lydia Thompson was sent off in the 18th minute.
Despite facing the tournament hosts in front of a sold-out Eden Park a player down, Hunter was convinced her side, who led for much of the match, would find a way to come out on top.
Sarah Hunter hails ‘special group’ of Red Roses after England final heartbreak
Tournament hosts New Zealand clung on for a 34-31 at Eden Park against an England side reduced to 14 after 18 minutes.
Rugby World Cup final - England fall short as Black Ferns retain crown
Just before we get going in Ireland, there has already been one thrilling game of rugby today, with England and New Zealand delivering a World Cup final to remember at Eden Park.
Heartbreak for England as New Zealand blast back to win World Cup
New Zealand 34-31 England: The Red Roses fall just short as the Black Ferns triumph once more
Autumn Nations Series - Ireland vs Fiji
A very good afternoon. It’s the second week proper of the Autumn Nations Series and another long, enticing weekend of international rugby ahead.
The action begins in Dublin, where Fiji are in town hoping to cause a shock against a changed Irish side, with kick off an hour or so away.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments