Les Bleus: Masters of the unexpected

04 Nov 2025, 10:33 by KickOff Rugby · KickOff

France, who the Springboks face in Paris on Saturday, may not boast the same consistent win record as, say, the All Blacks, but they remain one of the most captivating and unpredictable forces in world rugby.

Known for their flair, creativity and ability to spring a shock on any given day, France, who await the Springboks in Paris this weekend, combine individual brilliance with periods of ruthless efficiency. Their passion, skill and occasional audacity ensure they are always a team capable of greatness.

Why the nickname?

Les Bleus simply takes its cue from the unmistakable royal blue jersey that has been the team’s trademark since their first Test in 1906. The name translates literally to “The Blues”, a nod to both their kit and national colours. Over the years, fans and commentators alike have used “Les Bleus” with a mix of affection and pride, much like the tricolore that flies over every French sporting triumph.

First Test:

France made their Test debut on 1 January 1906 against the mighty All Blacks in Paris. It was a baptism of fire as the visitors ran in nine tries to claim a 38-8 victory. Despite the heavy defeat, it marked the beginning of France’s long and colourful rugby journey on the international stage.

Test record:

Les Bleus have played more than 760 Tests since 1906, winning just over 58% of them – a record that reflects both their flair and inconsistency over the decades. They’ve faced 24 different nations and hold winning records against most of Europe’s top sides, though not against the traditional southern hemisphere giants. Their toughest opponent? New Zealand, against whom they’ve managed just 15 wins from 63 encounters.

First Test against SA:

France and South Africa met for the first time on 11 January 1913 at Le Bouscat in Bordeaux. The Springboks, led by Billy Millar, overpowered their hosts to claim a 38-5 victory in a bruising encounter typical of the era. It was the start of a fierce and often dramatic rivalry that has since produced some of Test rugby’s most unforgettable battles.

Biggest win against SA:

France’s most emphatic victory over South Africa came on 9 November 2002 at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, where Les Bleus dismantled the Springboks 30-10. On a wet night in the south, the hosts produced a near-flawless display built on brutal forward dominance and clinical finishing out wide. Tries from Nicolas Brusque and Imanol Harinordoquy, combined with the kicking accuracy of Gérald Merceron, sealed a famous win that left the Boks shell-shocked.

Biggest loss against SA:

France’s worst-ever defeat at the hands of South Africa came on 22 November 1997 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The Springboks ran in eight tries in a ruthless performance to hammer Les Bleus 52-10. South Africa’s pack laid the groundwork with brutal forward play, and their backs capitalised on every opportunity; even with France managing a single converted try and a penalty, the gap never looked bridgeable. It remains a benchmark for the Boks’ dominance over France – a display of power, precision and poise that few visitors to Paris have matched.

Famous former players:

As expected from a nation with such a rich rugby tradition, there are stars aplenty. Serge Blanco, Philippe Sella, Fabien Galthié, Thierry Dusautoir, Frédéric Michalak, Sébastien Chabal… the list goes on. Yet most fans and pundits tend to agree that former captain Galthié, who currently serves as Les Bleus coach, stands out as one of the greatest French players ever. Renowned for his tactical nous, toughness and leadership, he guided Les Bleus through some of their most memorable victories in the 1990s and early 2000s and remains an iconic figure in French rugby history after being named IRB International Player of the Year in 2002.

Who has their number?

Former Bok coach Allister Coetzee (2016-2017) saw his team face France four times in the last year of his tenure and he managed to win every one of them for a 100% win record against Les Bleus.

Next encounter:

South Africa square off against France this weekend in Stade de France in Paris. You can be sure they’ll be eager to get stuck into the Boks, considering the last time the teams met was in the quarterfinal of the 2023 World Cup, where the Boks ousted the host nation in a tense game.