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The Springboks displayed the reigning world champions' fortitude, storming back from a six-point deficit and the opening period dismissal of lock Lood de Jager to overwhelm France 32-17 in a physical Autumn international on the weekend.

Playing with 14 men for the whole second half, the South African side absorbed early pressure before overwhelming the French through sheer physicality and composure, quieting a boisterous crowd in Paris expecting payback for France's World Cup heartbreak.

Two years after their agonising 29-28 World Cup exit to the South Africans on home soil, France looked eager to set things right even without their unavailable captain Antoine Dupont. But France, now on a four-game losing streak, buckled under the strain as their discipline fell apart despite the visitors being reduced to 14 men on the eve of the interval.

France's Strong Start

Fabien Galthié’s side looked unstoppable in the opening stages as wing Damian Penaud crossed for two tries to become his nation's record try-scorer with 40, surpassing Serge Blanco's longstanding record.

A series of ill-disciplined penalties and a expensive yellow card, however, gave control to the visitors who punished every mistake in ruthless fashion.

The Springboks fought back with tries from Cobus Reinach, André Esterhuizen, Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who also kicked two penalties and three extra points.

Turning Point

It had all begun promisingly for the hosts. The No. 15 Thomas Ramos kicked a expertly placed grubber over the defence after four minutes which Penaud gathered to score. The winger added another soon after, diving into the corner to extend the advantage, and when De Jager was dismissed for a high hit on Ramos, Les Bleus seemed in complete command despite being only one point ahead.

Then came the Springboks' spectacular comeback through a combination of precise offense and unbreakable focus.

The France outside back Louis Bielle-Biarrey was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on, and the world champions pounced.

Esterhuizen barged through from a driving maul after the visitors had opted to go for the set piece after being given a penalty, before Williams darted through a splintered defence for a further score as the impetus swung quickly.

Sealing the Win

With France shaken and conceding a succession of infringements, Feinberg-Mngomezulu sealed a remarkable recovery, evading the defenders on the wing and diving over the try-line before adding the extras to his own score.

The Springboks have now defeated France in nine of their last ten meetings. The French team next face the Flying Fijians in the French city on the coming weekend while South Africa head to Italy.