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

"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

• Defending champions South Africa edge France in seven-try thriller
• REPORT: France suffer painful symmetry with Ireland as Springboks continue southern dominance
• TRY! France 25-26 South Africa (Etzebeth, 67 mins)
• TRY! France 19-19 South Africa (Baille, 31 mins)
• TRY! France 12-19 South Africa (Kolbe, 26 mins)
• TRY! France 12-12 South Africa (Mauvaka, 22 mins)
• TRY! France 7-12 South Africa (De Allende, 18 mins)
• TRY! France 7-7 South Africa (Arendse, 8 mins)
• TRY! France 7-0 South Africa (Baille, 4 mins)

[15 October 2023 20:43 · Ben Fleming]

France 19-19 South Africa

40 mins: France have a penalty but before that there is a TMO check after a head-to-head collision between Etzebeth and Atonio.

Looks like the Springbok second row is heading for the sin-bin.

And he does. It’s under review so that one will be looked at over half-time.

[15 October 2023 20:41 · Ben Fleming]

France 19-19 South Africa

39 mins: Well, the plan would have worked if Libbok had found touch with his kick. Superb from Bielle-Biarrey to keep it in and France now have the throw from the resulting lineout.

[15 October 2023 20:39 · Ben Fleming]

France 19-19 South Africa

37 mins: Bielle-Biarrey clears the ball up the pitch well for France and here’s an interesting one.

Arendse calls for a mark as he catches the ball in his 22 but instead of kicking it away, the South Africans have asked for a scrum.

Can’t say I’ve seen that before but it works perfectly as they win a penalty from the set piece.

[15 October 2023 20:36 · Ben Fleming]

France 19-19 South Africa

35 mins: A scrum on the edge of the French 22 as South Africa eye up a late score before the end of the first half. It’s French ball, however.

I’m going to need a break as much as some of the players out on the pitch after what’s happened so far.

[15 October 2023 20:32 · Ben Fleming]

France 19-19 South Africa (Baille, 31 mins)

I’m running out of words to describe what we are witnessing.

Mauvaka shows great power on the wrap-around from the lineout and it’s Baille who converts from short range for his second of the game. Ramos adds the extra two and we are level again.

Six tries and barely 30 minutes on the clock.

[15 October 2023 20:32 · Ben Fleming]

France 12-19 South Africa

30 mins: France look to hit back immediately and it’s some last-ditch defending on a number of occasions from South Africa.

Eventually, Kolbe takes the ball into touch and France have another chance from the lineout.

[15 October 2023 20:28 · Ben Fleming]

TRY! France 12-19 South Africa (Kolbe, 26 mins)

Simply remarkable. Five tries in the opening 26 minutes and it’s South Africa who edge ahead again. France spill the ball in midfield and Kriel’s superb grubber kick allows Kolbe to race clear down the left wing and score his side’s third try.

It’s tight with the shot clock but Libbok adds the extras from the tee.

(Getty Images)

[15 October 2023 20:27 · Ben Fleming]

France 12-12 South Africa

25 mins: The intensity of this clash is difficult to describe. Both sides playing at the top of their games right now.

[15 October 2023 20:23 · Ben Fleming]

TRY! France 12-12 South Africa (Mauvaka, 22 mins)

France hit back straight away! This quarter-final shows no signs of slowing down as the French hooker goes over in the corner. Dupont shows his ingenuity back in the team as he takes a penalty quickly before releasing Mauvaka in the corner.

France are level...and the conversion is charged down! Superb work from Kolbe to catch Ramos out. The scores stay level - how big could that be later in the match?

[15 October 2023 20:19 · Ben Fleming]

TRY! France 7-12 South Africa (De Allende, 18 mins)

South Africa lead and it’s more trouble under the high ball for France. Woki spills a high cross-field kick and De Allende surges through having gathered the loose ball.

The Springboks centre is held up short initially but makes no mistake a few phases later as he dives over the line from close range.

A poor miss from Libbok but his side lead nevertheless.