France 20 South Africa 13:France countered the physical power of South Africa to claim a win on Friday and remain unbeaten at home against the world champions since 1997.
Helped by a stiff wind, South Africa were leading 13-11 at half-time thanks to a soft try scored by captain and prop John Smit, with outhalf Morne Steyn adding the conversion, a penalty and a drop goal.
However, the Boks struggled in the second half with the breeze in their face and paid the price for having Steyn and number eight Ryan Kankowksi sin-binned.
France were determined to add the scalp of the world champions to that of New Zealand after winning there in June and did so with a try by wing Vincent Clerc, four penalties from scrumhalf Julien Dupuy and one by his replacement Morgan Parra.
France face Samoa next Saturday at the Stade de France before hosting New Zealand in Marseille a week later.
Tri-Nations holders South Africa, whose reserve team were beaten by English club side Leicester last week, travel to Italy before playing Ireland in Dublin.
