South Africa have climbed two places to fifth in the world rugby rankings after ending a four-Test losing streak with a 35-14 win over France at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday.
The new-look Springboks, who had five debutants in their starting line-up, outscored the visitors by four tries to two to take the first game of a three-Test series.
Jesse Kriel, debutant Ross Cronje and Jan Serfontein crossed the line for Allister Coetzee’s side, while they were also awarded a penalty try.
Flyhalf Elton Jantjies produced a flawless kicking performance to finish with a 13-point haul. France’s tries were scored either side of half-time by Henry Chavancy and Baptiste Serin.
Having picked up just over one rating point for their first win in eight months, South Africa move on to 82.87 points, taking them above Scotland and France.
France, who get the chance for revenge in Durban next week, lost an identical amount of points under the points exchange system to drop from sixth to eighth with Wales moving up one place to seventh as a result. – African News Agency (ANA)
