South Africa 42 - 17 France: Springboks sweep France aside

SOUTH Africa produced a ruthless five-try display as France were brushed aside in the one-off Test at Newlands in Cape Town.

South Africa made seven changes from the side that beat Wales a week ago as the likes of Pierre Spies, Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger and Morne Steyn all returned.

France coach Marc Lievremont handed a Test debut to flanker Wenceslas Lauret but stuck with the majority of the side that secured the Grand Slam with victory over England in Paris back in March.

The tourists never recovered after a nightmare opening quarter, but in truth they struggled to cope with the Springboks' physicality and supreme line-out work throughout as they were handed a humbling defeat following their Grand Slam winning exploits in the RBS 6 Nations.

The world champions roared into a 17-0 lead after 10 minutes thanks to tries from Spies and Gio Aplon, plus a penalty and two conversions from Steyn. Steyn added another penalty and Gurthro Steenkamp went over as the hosts took a 25-10 half-time lead. Aurelien Rougerie crossed for the visitors with Morgan Parra kicking five points.

Steyn, who kicked 15 points in total, added another penalty after the break and Aplon's second try, plus a score from flanker Francois Louw, sealed the win. Replacement Marc Andreu got a late consolation for the French.