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Watch: South Africa wait until 85th minute to steal dramatic victory in Paris

Match winner Bongi Mbonambi.
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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.

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.

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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https://twitter.com/drrea81/status/1061382641746817024

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Phantom 35 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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