An inspired Springboks team ensured the Rugby World Cup dream stays alive with a brilliant display against France.
The Springboks overcame some truly shocking calls from referee Ben O’Keeffe to clinch a 29-28 win over France in Paris.
Watch the highlights to see how the Springboks did it.
Springboks beat France: Highlights
France lead the Springboks by 22-19 at half-time of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris, with six tries scored in 40 breathless minutes of rugby at the Stade de France.
France drew first blood when Cyril Baille scored the first of his two tries in the fourth minute, but the Boks hit back four minute later when Kurt-Lee Arendse pounced on a loose ball from a kick to make it 7-7.
The Boks then took the lead when Damian de Allende went over, also from a kick, but Manie Libbok failed to repeat his earlier conversion and it was 12-5 in the 19th minute.
Three minutes later, it was 12-12 when Peato Mauvaka crashed over, but the Boks weren’t done yet and Cheslin Kolbe’s try from a clever kick by Jesse Kriel, converted by Libbok, made it 19-12 in the 28th minute.
Baille got his second try a few minutes later, with Tomas Ramos converting and then nailing a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time to give the hosts a three-point lead at the break.
Eben Etzebeth was binned for a tackle that many refs in this tournament would have called penalty only.
However, Ramos slotted another penalty to extend France’s lead.
Etzebeth’s return was crucial as he fired up to power over for the try that would give the Springboks the lead.
Deon Fourie won a crucial breakdown penalty on halfway which Pollard slotted.
While France slotted another penalty with less than ten minutes to go they just couldn’t get down into the Springboks 22.
At the last it was a rip from Faf De Klerk that got the Boks the ball and ended the contest.
What the Boks could do in RWC 2023
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South Africa could break its tie with New Zealand (3 titles). They would become the sole holder of the record for the most titles won if they win their fourth.
If South Africa gets to the final and wins, they would maintain their 100% win rate in final appearance since their first final in 1995, when they beat New Zealand (15-12 AET). However, if South Africa end up losing the final and finish second, they would join Australia and New Zealand as the only countries to have won all three medals (gold, silver and bronze).
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South Africa could join New Zealand as the second country to win successive World Cup titles.
If South Africa make it to the final, they could extend their record as the only country to not have conceded at least one try during appearances in the final.
Springboks vs France: Teams
France: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (captain); Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Delonch, Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki, Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Cyril Baille. Reserves: Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Francois Cros, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana.
South Africa: Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Handre Pollard, Willie le Roux.
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