FRA 57-10 RSA: France top Pool D with dominant victory over stunned South Africa

NORTHAMPTON - France proved their Rugby World Cup 2025 credentials with an ominous 57-10 win over a shocked South Africa in Pool D at a lively Franklin's Gardens on Sunday.

Story of the match

The women's Springboks entered the last round of pool matches as potential dark horses after two impressive performances against Brazil and, in particular, Italy that seemed to bely their world ranking coming into the tournament.

But what was billed as a pool decider was over as a contest by half-time as France scored four first-half tries, mixing up their game brilliantly to give South Africa - albeit showing wholesale changes from their last match - a reality check.

The underdogs' problems were compounded by Chumisa Qawe's 20-minute red card in the first half but even with the numbers even, France were ruthless both sides of the ball, scoring five more tries in the second half.

South Africa did at least score a try with the final play of the game, Nadine Roos - by far their standout performer - bursting clear to score under the posts.

Mastercard Player of the Match

Pauline Bourdon Sansus was simply irresistible for France but believes her team still have "a lot to give".

"Our objective was to finish first and we did it," said the scrum-half. "Now it's getting better and better, stronger and stronger for the quarter-final and we are ready to go.

"That was our goal. We still have a bit of tweaking to do but we'll be at our best for next week against Ireland."

Coach insight

David Ortiz, one of France's head coaches, was "ecstatic" with the win: "This is what we wanted, we played the way we wanted to and now have to concentrate on the quarter-final.

"We managed to control what we couldn't do last time and correct our mistakes and hopefully this will lead us to a better match in the quarters."

South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin was philosophical about his team's step up in quality.

"Man, that's a big stage," he said. "They are a very strong side, their set-piece is immaculate - they taught us a lesson there today.

"But what I loved: we never stopped fighting, right to the end, and the crowd was behind us."

Stat of the Day

28 - the number of tackles made my France number eight Charlotte Escudero, who also scored a try. She led a phenomenal defensive effort that showed her team meant business.

Next steps

Both teams head to Exeter for next weekend's quarter-finals: South Africa will play New Zealand at Sandy Park on Saturday; France take on Ireland at the same venue a day later.