What Fabien Galthié said about Boks after defeat in Paris

Head coach Fabien Galthié has handed the Springboks their flowers, conceding that the South Africans were once again the more effective side after France’s 32-17 defeat at the Stade de France.

It was a result that spoke to the world No.1s’ power and composure, a victory that came despite Rassie Erasmus’ side playing much of the match with just 14 men.

The world champions lost Lood de Jager to a red card late in the first half but produced a stunning three-try burst in the final 20 minutes to secure their biggest win in Paris since 1997.

For Galthié, it was another reminder of the physical benchmark set by the Springboks.

“The Springboks were once again more effective than us,” he said. “We’d made a bet on a big coaching impact for the second half, because their second halves have been very strong this season, except at home against Australia. Clearly, they’ve built a strategy around extremely powerful and efficient second halves.”

France led 14-13 at the interval and were in control until the 60-minute mark, but their failure to convert pressure into points proved costly.

“It worked up until the 60th minute, and we created a few strong passages where we had to score. We had three clear chances, and then came a series of penalties. We defended our line until that yellow card [to Louis Bielle-Biarrey] and that try in the 65th minute. After that, they took over our half, took control of the game and scored.”

The France coach – who had controversially dropped No.8 Gregory Alldritt – defended his bench selections, suggesting the collapse was a collective issue rather than down to individuals.

“The players who came on gave everything they could individually. It was more a collective issue than something linked to our finishers.”

With the Springboks now ten Tests deep into their season and Les Bleus only just beginning theirs, Galthié pointed to the difference in rhythm and cohesion.

“They still have the same strengths — their pack, their aerial kicking game — which they’ve developed even further, the same power. It was their tenth match of the season, our first. We’re working, but in those areas, they were once again more effective than us.”