Defending champions, the Springboks twice came from behind to overcome France in a pulsating encounter and secure a semi-final date with England back at the Stade de France next Saturday.
The hosts made a blistering start with an early try from prop Cyril Baille, but they failed to deal with two high kicks as first Kurt-Lee Arendse sprinted to the corner before Damian de Allende plunged over to give the Springboks a 12-7 lead.
France drew level with a try from hooker Peato Mauvaka, Cheslin Kolbe charging down the conversion from Thomas Ramos before the South Africa wing raced onto Jessie Krielโs deft grubber to score, only for Baille to grab his second try and Ramos to land a penalty โ for a high tackle by Eben Etzebeth which earned the second-row a yellow card โ to give Les Bleus a 22-19 interval lead.
Who is this guy ๐๐๐๐ – the veld skoens though๐คฃ #GoBokke #Springboks #SARugby #WC2023 pic.twitter.com/EkN7TzEjrR
โ Linda Ferns (@Lindaferns) October 16, 2023
Ramos extended their advantage with a penalty, but Etzebeth stretched over with 14 minutes left, replacement Handre Pollard converting and adding a penalty which proved decisive despite a late reply from Ramos.
Congratulatory messages continue to pour in for the Springboks following the victory, with the South African government among those who have praised the Boks for their amazing performance. Article by Ntsako Mkhari
Congratulations to the Springboks on their riveting victory against the host nation France in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Next stop, Semi-finals!#RWC2023 #Springboks pic.twitter.com/Dxdgol4wJgโ African National Congress (@MYANC) October 16, 2023
๐๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฆ – ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐คญ
Sister Bettina playing in France just after the match.
#FRAvRSA #RWC2023 #Springboks #RugbyWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2ikNcRNLrX
โ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ช๐๐๐ (@LindoMyeni) October 16, 2023
The #Springboks dragging Mamelodi Sundowns supporters and Ireland to come see that a game can be won, even when the ref is against you!
Nkalakatha Kolbe Eben Siya Kolisi 3 Rassies Du Pont pic.twitter.com/AJ7tVoSTY6
โ Tlotliso wa ACDP ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ธ (@TlotlisoM_) October 16, 2023
Today shall be known as “Kolbe Day” morning South Africa… โฅ๏ธ๐ฟ๐ฆโ๐พ๐
And morning @CheslinKolbe specifically ๐ซ ๐ฟ๐ฆโ๐พ #Springboks #FRAvsRSA #RWC2023 https://t.co/O2pqVgAKJYโ CATHERINE CONSTANTINIDES (@ChangeAgentSA) October 16, 2023
Reaction from Paris: โWe worked together as a team and we talked a lot about never giving upโ – more here: https://t.co/XiNQExkD1i ๐#StrongerTogether #Springboks #RWC2023 #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/mK4VIjBN4p
โ Springboks (@Springboks) October 15, 2023
Written by: Lindiwe Mabena
5:00 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
COPYRIGHT 2023