France vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Les Bleus snatch thrilling win from remarkable Test
France 30-26 South Africa: Les Bleus snatched victory as both teams had a man sent off in an incredible Test match
France extended their impressive winning run to 12 games as they tamed South Africa 30-26 at the Stade Velodrome after a nail-biting contest.
Les Bleus had scrum-half Antoine Dupont sent off in the second half after the world champions were also reduced to 14 men following Pieter-Steph du Toit’s early exclusion.
But a strong finish, with a late try by forward Sipili Falatea and a last-gasp penalty by Thomas Ramos, earned Fabien Galthie’s side another win a week after they edged out Australia 30-29 in Paris.
South Africa were always close thanks to penalties by Cheslin Kolbe, as well as tries from Siya Kolisi and Kurt-Lee Arendse, but France were just a cut above, less than a year before they host the World Cup.
Relive all the action from France vs South Africa with our live blog below:
PENALTY! ENGLAND 3-0 Japan (Owen Farrell penalty, 5 minutes)
England are on the board first. The most straightforward start that Owen Farrell could wish for from the tee.
England 0-0 Japan, 4 minutes
Japan think they are away but an offside ends their cavort up the field! Marcus Smith rather telegraphed his cross-kick for Freddie Steward, with Japan hurrying up to charge it down and then rushing through on to the loose ball.
But the visitors were up too soon in their attempts to prevent Smith unfurling that crossfield number - England penalty, and this time the call is for the points.
England 0-0 Japan, 3 minutes
Penalty advantage for England. Marcus Smith lifts a long pass over the top of the defensive line to give Jonny May his first meaningful involvement on his return to an England shirt, before Dave Ribbans has his first at all - the debutant carries well.
Back for the penalty, though - and England fancy a go in the right corner, which is found superbly. Luke Cowan-Dickie will throw the lineout five metres out.
England 0-0 Japan, 2 minutes
A first hint of what Japan can do with Dylan Riley nearly breaking English shackles near the touchline. His offload chops the daisies and is fly-hacked out on the full.
England 0-0 Japan, 1 minute
Japan play twice out the back in their opening passage inside the 22, kicking long to Freddie Steward, who returns in kind.
Joe Cokanasiga collects the next thump upfield from Japan, delivering a punishing carry as he angles in field.
Fine high take from Japan’s fly half Takuya Yamasawa under significant English pressure 30 metres from his own line.
KICK OFF!
To a loud roar of anticipation from the Twickenham crowd, Owen Farrell kicks off!
Here we go
James Doleman, our referee this afternoon, has a final comms check with his assistants. Japan are clad in blue today, with metallic flourishes on the sides.
England’s men in white for the first time this autumn. Owen Farrell will get things underway.
Anthems
There’s a few Japanese fans dotted around Twickenham, standing proudly for a fine singing of “Kimigayo”, warmly received by the rest of the crowd.
A bit more pep in the home supporters’ accompaniement of “God Save the King” this week.
England vs Japan
It’s a balmy November afternoon at Twickenham, which rises for an impeccable observation of a rendition of the Last Post.
Team News - Japan
Japan have had to wait to make their official Autumn Nations Series 2022 bow, but pushed the All Blacks mightily close in Tokyo two weeks ago. Unsurprisingly, Jamie Joseph sticks with much of the side that started that game, with only giant wing Siosaia Fifita dropping out. Gerhard van den Heever takes his place in the back three, with Joseph confident that the wing can help counter England’s aerial threat.
Totem Michael Leitch and Kazuki Himeno, one of the most complete back rowers in the world, headline the pack, but look out for Warner Dearns, the young lock whose sheer size makes him hard to miss.
Japan XV: K Inagaki, A Sakate (capt.), JW Koo; W Dearns, J Cornelsen; M Leitch, K Himeno, T Tatafu; Y Nagare, T Yamasawa; G van den Heever, R Nakamura, D Riley, K Matsushima; R Yamanaka.
Replacements: K Horikoshi, C Millar, Y Kizu, W van der Walt, L Labuschagne; N Saito, S Lee, S Fifita.
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