Springboks fans were left stunned after France scored one of the strangest tries of the year during their Nations Championship clash with South Africa.

The bizarre moment came as France attacked deep inside the Springboks' 22.

With multiple penalty advantages in hand, a French pass struck centre Nicolas Gourgues directly in the face.

The ball bounced forward, allowing winger Théo Attissogbe to race onto it and dive over for France's second try.

But there was a twist.

Despite the ball travelling forward off Gourgues' head, referee Andrea Piardi allowed the try to stand.

Maxime Lucu added the conversion, leaving the back-to-back world champions trailing by 14 points.

"Ridiculous law" – Jim Hamilton reacts

Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton was among those questioning the extraordinary incident.

"Off the head. Ridiculous law, rule what ever the fuck it is. France on fire either way," Hamilton wrote on X.

Rugby commentator Amith Gosai was equally surprised.

"I was today years old when I found out you could head the ball in rugby," he posted.

The incident quickly became a talking point, with France benefiting from one of the most unusual tries of the international season.

Springboks fans left baffled

Springboks supporters were equally confused by the extraordinary score.

One fan, @Nonhle14, replied to the official Springboks account:

"Has rugby turned to soccer/football. We can head balls now and it’s not a knock on !? I am confused and maybe due for a lesson"

The reaction summed up the confusion surrounding a try that looked more like something from a football pitch.

What do World Rugby's laws say?

Despite the unusual circumstances, the decision was correct under World Rugby's laws.

Law 11 states that a knock-on involves a player losing possession or making contact with the ball using their hand or arm, causing it to travel forward.

Crucially, the law does not include a player's head or face.

That meant Gourgues had not committed a knock-on, leaving Attissogbe free to collect the loose ball and score.

It was a remarkable moment that left the Springboks with plenty of work to do.

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