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“What could be better” – France on quarter-final v South Africa
England will play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after the Springboks defeated hosts France in an epic clash in Paris.
Defending champions South Africa edged a titanic contest 29-28, with Eben Etzebeth’s powerful try in the 67th minute earning the Springboks victory in a match that delivered drama and intensity of the highest order.
Handre Pollard then extended South Africa’s lead with a penalty and although Thomas Ramos cut their lead back to one point, the holders broke France hearts as they held on to a thrilling victory.
The first half will go down as one of the greatest ever seen, with three tries apiece amid an unbelievable display of pace, physicality and skill from both sides.
But it was the Springboks who held their nerve in what was a battle for the ages, and they will now play England next Saturday after they edged Fiji in another dramatic quarter-final contest.
Follow all the reaction from Paris after South Africa knocked the hosts out of the Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2023: France vs South Africa
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Siya Kolisi, South African captain, speaking to ITV
“We knew how tough it was going to be against a French team at home and honestly I just want to say well done to them for all they achieved and how hard they worked. And to the supporters; it’s been an amazing tournament and they can be proud of what they have done.
“The support we have received from back home [has been amazing]. They can’t afford to be here but the videos, the schools singing for us – that’s what we play for. We play for our nation – it’s not about us on this field but everybody back home and that’s what is driving us. Win or lose, you will see the same kind of fight.”
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 22:14
World Cup semi-finals all set
So, with that result, we have our four semi-finalists.
Argentina will face New Zealand while England will take on South Africa.
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 22:08
FULL-TIME: France 28-29 South Africa
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 22:05
FULL-TIME: France 28-29 South Africa
The barest of margins but the all-important try came via the bulldozing run of Eben Etzebeth:
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 22:02
FULL-TIME: France 28-29 South Africa
What an advert for Test match rugby those set of quarter-finals were.
That game, in particular, had it all and it’s the South Africans who have just edged it in the end and they will prove an almighty test for England next weekend.
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 22:00
FULL-TIME: France 28-29 South Africa
Their defence holds firm and as the ball drops loose, it’s thumped into the stands and the host nation are out.
What a performance from the defending champions who repelled that early electric start from France and eeked out a narrow win in the second half thanks to Etzebeth’s try and Pollard’s penalty.
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 21:54
France 28-29 South Africa
80 mins: Into the red and on France come. One point separates the sides but the hosts have to be perfect.
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 21:53
France 28-29 South Africa
79 mins: A huge break from Penaud as they storm up the pitch from their own scrum inside their 22. But now a massive turnover from South Africa!
Just one minute to go as they kick it long.
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 21:52
France 28-29 South Africa
78 mins: Plenty of pressure from South Africa on the French tryline as the scrum is reset a number of times. Huge moments coming up now for both sides.
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 21:50
France 28-29 South Africa
74 mins: Kolbe tries his luck with a surprise drop-goal attempt but it goes wide.
A nervy final six minutes awaits…
Ben Fleming15 October 2023 21:45
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