In a breathtaking and ferocious quarter-final match, South Africa held off France with a final score of 29-28, dashing the hopes of France’s maiden World Cup title win. A spectacular first half transitioned into a brutal battle, and the experience of the Springboks proved pivotal against a French team making their first knockout game appearance under Coach Fabien Galthie’s four-year tenure.
South Africa, poised to face England in the next round for a spot in the final, secured their victory with tries by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, and Eben Etzebeth, coupled with the accurate kicking of Mannie Libbock and Handre Pollard.
Despite the return of France’s captain, Antoine Dupont, from cheekbone surgery, the mercurial scrumhalf struggled as Les Bleus could only muster tries through Cyril Baille (2) and Peato Mauvaka, with Thomas Ramos contributing 13 points from his kicks.
This outcome dealt a heavy blow to France’s emerging generation, who entered the tournament with high hopes of clinching their first World Cup title. This loss was only the second home defeat for Les Bleus in 26 home tests during Galthie’s leadership, and it’s one that will undoubtedly sting.
Raphael Ibanez, France’s manager, expressed their disappointment: “We are very sad tonight. I think we gave everything to win that game. We knew it would be a very tight game, and we had to score every opportunity. We had good chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them into points.”
Siya Kolisi, the South African captain, attributed their victory to the impact of their bench, stating, “I just thought we really wanted it. We knew how tough it was going to be. I must give credit to the guys that came off the bench; they came and made a huge difference.”
South Africa’s strategy, characterized by kicking and securing the ball, proved effective in a thrilling first half. They mounted a comeback after trailing by three points in the more controlled second half.
With a scrum cap and a titanium plate beneath his cheekbone, Dupont had an impressive start with a brilliant kick that sliced through the South African defense. Cyril Baille then scored in the corner to give the hosts the lead. Mauvaka made a spirited charge, only to be stopped meters from the line.
South Africa struck back when Arendse pounced on a fortunate bounce from a speculative kick, followed by De Allende’s try after France’s failure to manage another high kick. However, Les Bleus responded swiftly, with Mauvaka diving over the line after Dupont set up his hooker with a quick tap-and-go penalty.
Kolbe’s lightning-quick try, after outrunning Damian Penaud, shifted the momentum back to South Africa. Baille scored again for France after a driving maul.
Ramos secured a 22-19 halftime lead for France after Eben Etzebeth was sin-binned following a head-on collision with Uini Atonio.
The second half transformed into a gritty battle, with France fiercely contesting the South African defenders. Nienaber made timely changes to bolster his team, and South Africa defended valiantly, conceding only one penalty during France’s dominant phase.
South Africa then shifted the game’s tide, with Etzebeth displaying remarkable strength to score after a tap penalty. Pollard converted to put the Springboks one point ahead.
Pollard added another penalty, but Ramos brought France within a point. South Africa’s resilient defense held off a late French offensive to secure their thrilling 29-28 win.
