In a thrilling display of top-tier athleticism, South Africa narrowly defeated France in the highly-anticipated Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final held at the Stade de France. This victory secured South Africa’s spot in the semi-finals, where they will go head-to-head with England. The upcoming semi-final promises to deliver more intense drama and captivating action, all while dashing the hopes of the hosting nation.
South Africa will face England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after overcoming hosts France 29-28 in a scintillating quarter-final.
Six tries were scored in the first half of a knockout match for the first time in World Cup history as two of the world’s best sides showed their quality at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Damien de Allende went over inside the opening 30 minutes, though France had the half-time lead when Thomas Ramos – who had earlier seen a conversion attempt charged down – converted a penalty following a high tackle from Eben Etzebeth, who was sent to the sin bin.
France were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, though, and Etzebeth went from pantomime villain to South Africa’s hero as he bundled over with 13 minutes remaining.
Substitute Handre Pollard then stepped up, converting the extras and what proved to be a game-clinching penalty, with Ramos’ subsequent three points not enough to inspire a late turnaround, and the Springboks will now face England in a repeat of the 2019 final.
Baille got the ball rolling inside four minutes, scoring France’s second-fastest World Cup try as Les Bleus, inspired by the returning Antoine Dupont, started in style.
Yet France found themselves behind after South Africa crossed on their first two attacks, through Arendse and De Allende respectively.
Mauvaka’s try, created by Dupont, restored parity, only for the brilliant Kolbe, who charged down Ramos‘ conversion attempt from France’s second try, to get in on the act when he latched onto an inch-perfect kick from Jesse Kriel.
Yet Baille’s second score and Ramos‘ penalty had France ahead at the break, and with Etzebeth off the pitch, the hosts sensed blood. South Africa, though, did not buckle, and their towering lock crossed for the first try of the second half at the culmination of a bold Springboks attack.
Pollard kept his nerve with his boot, and ultimately proved the match winner, with South Africa defending brilliantly into added time to get the job done.
TALKING POINT – Quick of feet and mind, Kolbe’s intervention proves vital
In a match packed with memorable moments, Kolbe’s charge down on Ramos‘ conversion attempt in the first half was an undoubted highlight.
It’s not something you see all that often in elite-level rugby, but with Ramos dawdling just a moment too long, Kolbe put on the afterburners to block the kick. Of course, plenty happened from then on, but given France lost by one point, it proved crucial.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Antoine Dupont
Having only had surgery on a fractured cheekbone on September 22, Dupont would have been forgiven if he looked a little rusty.
On the contrary, France’s star player showcased his brilliance. He skillfully controlled the pace for the Les Bleus team during the exciting first half, and his exceptional assist that led to Mauvaka’s try left spectators in awe.
It’s truly regrettable that the French fans didn’t have the opportunity to witness more of this scrum-half’s talent during this tournament. However, there are undoubtedly more World Cups in the future for Dupont to shine in.
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