Rugby Union: France sink to untimely defeat

FRANCE'S tour of South Africa suffered a set-back in Pretoria yesterday with defeat in their final match before Saturday's first Test against South Africa. The 38-19 loss to a determined Northern Transvaal side also saw the departure through injury of two key players.

Northern Transvaal led 19-12 at half time, overall victory coming with Chris Maree, the stand-off, kicking 28 points and tries from J J Van der Walt and Conrad Breytenbach.

France's effort was a try from Pierre Bondouy and a conversion and four penalties from Pierre Montlaur. The injured players were the two lock-forwards, Olivier Roumat and Abdel Benazzi. Both sustained apparent knee injuries and doubts remain over whether they will be fit for the international in Durban.

The defeat took France's tour record to two wins, two losses and a draw. Saturday's is the first of two Tests.