World champions South Africa secured a hard-fought 32-17 victory over France in Paris, despite playing over half the game with 14 men after lock Lood de Jager was shown a red card late in the first half for a shoulder-to-head contact.
France, who led 14-13 at the break, saw winger Damian Penaud become their all-time leading try-scorer with his two scores.
However, a crucial second-half yellow card for French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey allowed the Springboks to take control.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus controversially sacrificed captain Siya Kolisi (on his 100th cap) after the red card to bring on replacement Andre Esterhuizen, who scored the go-ahead try.
Late tries from replacements Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed the win for the “wiser, calmer” Springboks, securing their ninth victory in 10 Tests against Les Bleus.
Elsewhere in the Autumn Internationals
Italy achieved a major upset, defeating Australia 26-19, marking their second consecutive win over the Wallabies.
England beat a physical Fiji, while Ireland powered past Japan.
