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Watch: South Africa wait until 85th minute to steal dramatic victory in Paris
A last-gasp try from reserve hooker Bongi Mbonambi has secured a gritty away victory for Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks side.
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The 85th-minute try capped a thrilling comeback where the visitors fought back from a 23-9 deficit in the second half.
It seemed the ball just wasn’t bouncing the way of the South Africans after Cheslin Kolbe had a try denied and Handre Pollard was whistled for forward pass just metres out from his own line, before the match was turned on its head cempletely.
The French held a slim 26-22 lead deep inside the Springbok half with just seconds remaining on the clock, but reserve loose forward Francois Louw was able to get over the ball and secure a penalty – his second in as many minutes – giving South Africa one final chance to go 95 metres and steal a famous win.
Fans gasped as Elton Jantjies missed touch, only for French winger Damian Penaud to carry the ball out. Referee Nigel Owens had to deliberate with his assistants to decide whether time had expired when Penaud carried into touch. South Africa were thrown another lifeline when Owens confirmed the lineout would be the final play.
?| Wow!
What a finish in Paris?
The @Springboks go over in the 85th minute to win the game and break @FFrugby hearts!
FT: FRA 26-29 RSA#FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/yQ9SJbgrwD
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) November 10, 2018
Still with plenty of work to do and time expired, the Springboks gained another penalty advantage and were able to secure a lineout just five metres from the French try line. With penalty advantage in hand once more, they shifted the ball wide and Aphiwe Dyantyi who crossed for what looked like the winning score. After a second look, the final pass from Willie le Roux was deemed forward and the try was denied.
What a comeback!!! Springboks win 29-26 after Bongi Mbonambi scores the winning try with last movement of the match. Well done boys!!#FRAvRSA
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 10, 2018
When presented with another chance after play was taken back for the penalty, the Springboks made no mistake as Mbonambi charged over from the ensuing lineout drive. With victory assured, Handre Pollard kicked the sideline conversion to give the match its final scoreline of 29-26.
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Man of the moment! Here's what Bongi Mbonambi said straight after that dramatic win over France at the @StadeFrance#boksontour#FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/ammz3L2wAa
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 10, 2018
Well worth staying up till midnight to watch this amazing match ?? @Springboks well done #FRAvRSA #ssrugby #FRAvSA #springboks #stadeDeFrance https://t.co/MaPv5zrJoI
— Merushka Chetty ? (@MerushkaP) November 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/drrea81/status/1061382641746817024
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
I’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
19 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
19 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
19 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
19 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to comments