Clerc scores twice as France beat South Africa

CAPE TOWN - Wing Vincent Clerc scored two tries to help France to a 36-26 defeat of South Africa in their one-off test in Cape Town this morning (NZ time).

It was South Africa's first defeat at home for three years.

The French side looked to have slipped out of contention when the Springboks went into a 23-11 lead 12 minutes into the second half after a try by right wing Brent Russell.

But the 25-year-old Clerc scored two minutes later before sealing victory seven minutes from time with his second try.

France dominated in the first half, opening the scoring after four minutes with a try by left wing Cedric Heymans.

They fell foul of referee Stuart Dickinson, however, with Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery kicking four penalties for the hosts to lead 12-11 at the break.

Montgomery added three penalties in the second half, but Clerc's double and a fine solo try by first five-eighths Damien Traille ensured France would beat South Africa at home for the first time since 2001, halfback Dimitri Yachvili sealing victory with a last-minute penalty.

France rattled the South African defence throughout with clever kicks into the spaces behind them and Heymans' try came after Traille had placed a fine crossfield kick just out of reach of a scrambling Russell.

The Springboks had to rely on Montgomery's boot to stay in the game. The fullback was in wonderful kicking form, slotting penalties in the eighth, 22nd, 25th and 28th minutes and the Springboks made the turn with a one-point lead they scarcely deserved.

Yachvili had added a 12th-minute penalty to Heymans' try and centre Florian Fritz kicked a 40-metre drop goal with France showing more polish in the backs and cohesion up front.

But it took until the final quarter for their dominance to be reflected in the score.

Montgomery added two penalties early in the second half before Russell received a pass on the French 22-metre line, right up against touch, but managed to beat two tacklers to cross for the Springboks' only try.

The French were galvanised into action and centre Yannick Jauzion placed a neat chip over the Springbok backline, which was gathered by Fritz, who sent Clerc over for the try.

It was barely five minutes later when the 27-year-old Traille, chosen at pivot for the first time, beat several defenders with a jinking run from 20 metres out, Yachvili's second conversion giving France a 25-23 lead.

A Montgomery penalty, after South Africa's best forward, Os du Randt, had flattened Clerc from behind, closed the gap to 28-26, but Clerc had the final say, eluding the clutches of replacement wing Gaffie du Toit for the match-winning try.

France drew 30-30 with South Africa in Durban last year, South Africa having won all their home matches dating back to the 52-16 hiding they received from New Zealand in Pretoria in July 2003.

Coach Jake White took over the following season and guided the team to 13 matches without defeat at home before Saturday's loss.

- REUTERS