Rugby
KweséESPN reporter 7y

"Angry" Noves rued French mistakes in Bok loss

Rugby

French coach Guy Novès is angry about mistakes made by his side in Saturday's second Test defeat to South Africa in Durban, but also admitted a "discrepancy in class" between the two sides.

The Springboks' 37-15 victory in the second Test at King's Park added to a 37-14 triumph in the first in Pretoria one week ago and means that the hosts have already clinched the series.

"We realise that we are dealing with a South African team in fine physical shape. They're top athletes, we knew that and there is a discrepancy in class. There is not much to say, because twice in a row now we have conceded 37 points. We made mistakes, but this game forces faults," Noves said.

"Obviously, I think the score line is a little harsh, but when we make silly mistakes that lead to tries and concede 14 points so easily, then the damage is done."

Noves was piqued about debutant Damian Penaud losing a ball that led to Jan Serfontein's 20th-minute try for the Boks and then a pop pass from Francois Trinh-Duc that was scooped up by Siya Kolisi for a second home score in the space of eight minutes midway through the first half.

"I'm a little bit angry but we also did well in the second half in containing the number of balls lost in the rucks in first half. We were more balanced and there was a real increase from our low level last week."

Noves insisted there would be hard work before the final Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg where the French play for pride before going off on their end-of-season holidays.

"We did not come on vacation. There are three Test matches to play first and the holidays will start afterwards."

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