Brave Boks fall agonisingly short as French state World Cup credentials

In Marseille

A 14-man Springbok side played out of their skins, but it was not enough to stop France from claiming a 30-26 win at the Stade Velodrome on Saturday.

The Boks were down to 14 men when Pieter-Steph du Toit was red-carded in the 11th minute, from where the French surged into a 13-0 lead.

AS IT HAPPENED | France v Springboks

The Boks, however, fought back to lead 26-22 in the second half, but a late yellow card to Deon Fourie allowed the hosts to fight back and win.

It was the most gallant performance from the Boks, especially in a hostile stadium where the capacity crowd gave them no respite.

The world champions played an enterprising brand of rugby, their kickers were flawless and they were full value for a win only for some ill-discipline to prove costly.

However, this French side, who also had captain Antoine Dupont red-carded in the 48th minute for taking out Cheslin Kolbe in the air, aren't easily bowed.

They have now won 12 consecutive Tests and recorded their first win against the Boks since 2009. They are definite World Cup contenders.

For the Boks, this was a fifth defeat this year, and even though it was a brave one, it was a defeat nonetheless.

In what was easily the most febrile atmosphere the Springboks have played in this year, they took the game to the hosts.

Scenes.#AutumnNationsSeries | #FRAvRSA | @FranceRugby pic.twitter.com/c5YhW8yFYr

One could say a little bit too much because in their over-eagerness to clean out rucks and have quick ball, Damian de Allende dragged Du Toit into a ruck.

Du Toit's head made contact with Jonathan Danty's head and English referee Wayne Barnes, who had missed three Springbok forward passes, had no option but to send him off.

The Boks had already conceded a first-minute