Viljoen praises French defence

South Africa 20 France 15

DURBAN - South Africa coach Harry Viljoen praised France after squaring their two-test series with a win at the Absa Stadium yesterday.

The Springbok victory atoned for their surprise 23-32 defeat against an underrated France in Johannesburg a week earlier.

"France were very organised in defence and I had a long discussion with their defensive coach later. We have a lot of work to do," Viljoen said.

Counterpart Bernard Laporte said his team was under too much pressure to find the balance between defence and attack.

He was impressed by the Springboks, who were camped inside French territory for almost the entire second half.

A late penalty by first five-eighths Butch James sealed the win in an often dour contest.

James kicked five penalties and Corne Krige scored a try for South Africa, who trailed 14-15 at half time.

French first five-eighths Gerald Merceron landed four penalties and dropped a goal.

Tempers frequently flared in an untidy forward battle.

English referee Chris White sent Mark Andrews and De Wet Barry of South Africa, and Olivier Magne, to the sin bin.

James was suspended for two weeks for a late and dangerous tackle during the match. He was charged by an independent citing commissioner for a tackle on French left wing David Bory.

White penalised James, but took no further action during the game.

James will miss next weekend's test against Italy.

South African flanker Rassie Erasmus was cleared of stamping on French hooker Raphael Ibanez at the same hearing.

France were 9-6 ahead after half an hour, but just when it seemed set to become a kicking duel flanker Krige eluded Nicolas Jeanjean to dive over near the touchline.

There was no halting Merceron, who kicked his fourth penalty of the half before planting a drop goal between the posts to put France four points ahead.

James lost his goalkicking touch for a time after half time, failing with three successive shots before a couple of successful shots near the end made sure of the win.

South African lock Albert van den Berg damaged his sternum and fractured a collarbone. He was carried from the field in stoppage time.

- AGENCIES