France ended a five-match losing streak against South Africa with a 21-19 victory at the Stade de France in Paris.
The win improves the standing of Les Bleus in the northern hemisphere tournament, according to reports from Yahoo Sports.
France captain Antoine Dupont, who was named player of the match, led his team to three first-half tries.
The scoring efforts came from Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Theo Attissogbe, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
South Africa responded with tries from Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Reinach, and Malcolm Marx.
The world champions faced a significant setback when number eight Jasper Wiese received a 20-minute red card early in the second half for a dangerous shoulder charge.
Despite the disadvantage, the Springboks utilized their set-piece power to narrow the gap late in the game.
South Africa had an opportunity to level the score, but Manie Libbok missed a vital conversion attempt following the try by Marx.
The match concluded with a defensive stand by France, as Bielle-Biarrey forced the ball loose to seal the result, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
The result complicates the path for South Africa to reach the Nations Championship final.
France now sits six points clear at the top of the northern hemisphere standings.
The hosts are scheduled to face Argentina next Saturday in their final push to reach the inaugural final on November 29.
The defeat is a blow to England and Ireland, who remain in competition with France for the tournament final.
South Africa must now prepare for a match against Ireland in Dublin.
The Springboks will likely require a favorable result from England’s earlier match against New Zealand to reclaim their standing.
The game featured a total of five cards, reflecting the physical intensity of the contest.
France coach Fabien Galthie deployed Dupont at number 10 for the first time, though the captain spent much of the match operating from his familiar scrum-half position.
The victory provides a morale boost for the French side as they look toward the final stages of the competition.