Head coach Guy Novès is confident that there is not a big gulf in class between France and South Africa, despite the Springboks’ 35-12 win in Johannesburg sealing a 3-0 series win.
Jules Plisson slotted four penalties for the French but they had no answer as Jesse Kriel, Eben Etzebeth, Malcolm Marx and Rudy Paige all scored tries for the home side.
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Fly-half Elton Jantjies converted three penalties and three conversions in the victory as the hosts started their new season in perfect fashion.
The Springboks were only 16-9 up at the break, but a well-worked lineout move between centre Jan Serfontein and second row Etzebeth killed off the French resistance.
And it was this moment that Novès felt was decisive in deciding the outcome of the third Test at Ellis Park.
“There was clear progress between the first two matches and in the third we were only seven down at half-time but then they scored a try that was too easy and it killed all our strategy,” he said.
“You learn that this level that the slightest mistake is expensive. What is certain is that at half-time, we are still in the game.
“We are at the end of our season and there was a difference in the physical condition and freshness.
“We will leave with the suitcases full of points we need to work on, but it is obvious the players need a holiday.
“But we will look at the positive elements and I don’t think the gap is too big. I think that in November, with the work we did here in South Africa, we will progress a little bit.”
