Dream debut for Cronje sparks Springbok surge
ROSS CRONJE marked his first start for South Africa with a try as a late charge from the Springboks was enough to see off France.
The hosts started brightly and kicked themselves into a 6-0 lead in Pretoria.
The contest sparked to life in the 32nd minute as Jesse Kriel’s blistering break saw the centre crash over.
South Africa were 13-0 ahead but the French responded, and they scored a try of their own just before half-time.
Racing Metro star Henry Chavancy finished off a patient move to put the tourists on the scoreboard.
France struck first after the break through Baptiste Serin. The scrum-half’s try was converted by Jules Plisson and the French were within two points at 16-14 behind.
However, the Springboks produced a stunning last quarter of rugby to claim victory.
On the hour mark, Courtnall Skosan was impeded on the try-line and a penalty try was awarded. A minute later, debutant Cronje evaded a weak tackle in midfield and sprinted clear to score.
The 14 points scored in two minutes floored the French and South Africa scored again on 68 minutes when Jan Serfontein finished off a clever move involving Andries Coetzee and Francois Hougaard.