Rugby: Magne targets Springbok ‘revenge’

Fiery flanker Olivier Magne admits France will be gunning for revenge when they take on the Springboks in Paris in the first of their autumn Tests next Saturday.

The Montferrand back-row has called on his colleagues to ‘‘punish’’ South Africa for their antics during a bad-tempered encounter in Durban earlier this year.

South Africa eventually won 20-15 in an ill-disciplined match which saw two Boks sin-binned, while Magne was also yellow-carded in the final few frantic minutes as France struggled to hold on to their lead.

Having won the opening Test 32-23 at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park, the French narrowly missed out on a first series victory in South Africa.

Clearly, there is still some bad blood between the sides ahead of the Stade de France clash.

‘‘I don’t usually talk about revenge but I really haven’t forgotten Durban,’’ said Magne on his personal website, www.oliviermagne.com.

‘‘I could not believe what happened in Durban and I have very bad memories of that day.

‘‘Within the rules of the game, we must punish the South Africans. I’m sure they know what to expect.

‘‘This match will be the final after the two tests in South Africa and we have some scores to settle.’’