France v South Africa LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result from thriller as England learn semi-final opponent
France 28-29 South Africa: The Springboks will play England in the World Cup semi-finals after winning an epic clash against the hosts in Paris
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
PENALTY! France 25-29 South Africa (Pollard, 69 mins)
The substitute fly-half makes no mistake as the long-range effort sails over the posts.
South Africa extend their lead to four.
France 25-26 South Africa
68 mins: And now another penalty for South Africa. Kwagga Smith with a huge impact off the bench and his side have a penalty on the halfway line.
That’s within Pollard’s range.
TRY! France 25-26 South Africa (Etzebeth, 67 mins)
And they have their try! Etzebeth shows his raw, brutish power as he surges over the line to nudge his side ahead.
A bold decision from South Africa to turn down the penalty but it’s paid off. France have to come from behind once again.
France 25-19 South Africa
66 mins: A big chance for South Africa again as they turn down three points again for a tap and go five yards from the line. Vermeulen can’t get over the line with the first attempt but on they go, just inches from the line.
France 25-19 South Africa
63 mins: Eight phases of French pressure but the Springbok defence is back to their intimidating best. Eventually, Ollivon spills the ball forwards and South Africa have the scrum on the edge of their 22.
France 25-19 South Africa
59 mins: Pressure back on as the South African forwards put in an almighty shove at the scrum to win a penalty.
To the corner they head...but they lose the ball at the lineout. A costly error given there were three easy points on offer there.
France 25-19 South Africa
58 mins: France do well to clear but Kolbe gets South Africa right back up inside the French 22 just moments later.
Jalibert’s blushes are spared - at least momentarily - as the Springboks knock the ball on. French put-in from the scrum.
France 25-19 South Africa
56 mins: Some vicious ball carries from South Africa but some equally superb work at the breakdown as France win a big penalty with the Springboks looking to strike.
But what has happened here? Jalibert completely slices his penalty kick, with the ball going behind him. Pressure on France now.
PENALTY! France 25-19 South Africa (Ramos, 54 mins)
The full-back knocks it over and France extend their lead with the first score of the half.
France 22-19 South Africa
53 mins: France win the penalty from the scrum but what a relentless blitz defence from South Africa to ensure nothing more came of it.
France will take a shot at goal.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies