The Springboks displayed pure courage and grit as they kept all of France at bay to reach the Rugby World Cup semifinals for the third consecutive time.
In a scintillating match at Stade de France in Paris, the defending champions defeated the hosts 29-28, setting up a highly-anticipated clash with old rivals England on Saturday.
Despite the cold shoulder from the City of Love on a crisp autumn evening, the Springboks warmed their fans’ hearts with a strong finish.
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With their backs against the wall, a converted try by Eben Etzebeth in the 67th minute gave the defending champions a slender lead. A nerveless long-range penalty by Handré Pollard from just inside his own half further extended the Boks’ advantage.
France fought back with a penalty by Thomas Ramos, but it was not enough to overcome the Springboks’ resilience. Unlike their pool defeat against Ireland, the Boks executed with precision in the first half.
Although France dominated possession, the Springboks proved to be effective counter-punchers.
The French team struggled under the high ball, which ultimately cost them the match. Referee Ben O’Keefe faced early pressure when Cheslin Kolbe’s last-gasp intervention denied France a try in the second minute.
However, France quickly responded with a converted try by Cyril Baille. The French appeared to be in control, with their forwards causing problems for the Springboks’ defense.
Despite the pressure, the Springboks capitalized on turnovers and the aerial game. Kurt-Lee Arendse’s try, following a well-placed kick, showcased the Boks’ ability to exploit France’s hesitancy under the high ball.
⏹️ 𝔽𝕌𝕃𝕃-𝕋𝕀𝕄𝔼 ⏹️
It's all over and the Springboks are through to the semi-finals!
𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 🆚 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚
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Damian de Allende’s surge and subsequent try further solidified the Springboks’ dominance.
France fought back with a well-orchestrated try by Peato Mauvaka, but Kolbe’s charge down of the conversion attempt demonstrated his determination and speed. The Springbok fans were beaming with pride, while the French wore the enigmatic expression of the Mona Lisa.
The Springboks’ victory was not without challenges. Eben Etzebeth’s collision with Uini Atonio just before halftime not only gave France a three-point lead but also resulted in the Springboks playing with 14 men for the first 10 minutes of the second half.
However, the Boks’ resilience and determination prevailed, securing their spot in the semifinals.
Here are the results:
South Africa got (29) Tries: Kurt Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth. Conversions: Manie Libbok (2), Handré Pollard. Penalty: Pollard.
France got (28) — Tries: Cyril Baille (2), Peato Mauvaka. Conversions: Thomas Ramos (3). Penalty: Ramos (2).
