“It could be better than this” – France, quarter-final vs. South Africa
France will take on South Africa in a thrilling quarter-final at the Stade de France tonight to conclude the Rugby World Cup last-eight weekend.
South Africa have won seven of their last eight matches against France, but their only loss in those matches was the most recent encounter, which France won in Marseille in November 2022.
Les Bleus have won an astonishing 27 of their 28 home games recently, but defending World Cup champions the Springboks will also be strong competition in Paris. France advanced to the quarter-finals undefeated, with New Zealand being eliminated in the Rugby World Cup pool stage for the first time in history, but the Springboks only lost one game to Ireland in Pool B.
France captain Antoine Dupont returned to the team just two weeks after surgery on a fractured cheekbone, and both sides have committed to a head-to-head showdown in Paris.
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try! France 7 – 12 South Africa (De Allende, 18 minutes)
South Africa are in the lead and it becomes even more difficult for France under the high ball. When Woki spilled a high cross-field kick, De Allende picked it up and ran out.
The Springbok center was initially held short, but after a few phases he made no mistake, diving over the line from close range.
Livbok made a regrettable mistake, but his team still took the lead.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:19
Penalty miss!France 7 – 7 South Africa
16 minutes: Ramos had a chance to put France in the lead again, but his penalty attempt was a long-range shot that just missed. South Africa find themselves in a bit of an awkward situation as they try to clear the ball, but eventually get the ball up the pitch.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:18
France 7 – 7 South Africa
12 minutes: The first scrum of the match gave both teams and the fans inside the stadium a chance to catch their breath. The first few minutes were breathless.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:15
try! France 7-7 South Africa (Arense, 8 minutes)
What a reaction! The game got off to a phenomenal start, with Arendse capitalizing on a dropped catch from Fickou to storm down the line and score into the right corner.
Livbok added a brilliant extra point and somehow South Africa equalized just moments before when they had almost conceded a second try.
(Getty Images)
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:10
France 7-0 South Africa
7 minutes: The Springboks were stunned as France piled on pressure one after another. It was a ferocious start for the hosts as Danti ran through the middle of the pitch. Fickou comes close just after a corner kick, but Etzebeth somehow intercepts the pass and it looks like France are destined to score again.
Great from South African rock.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:09
try! France 7-0 South Africa (Baille, 4 minutes)
It all started in France!
From the lineout, the hosts attacked relentlessly with pressure and ball speed, quickly reaching the try line. A few phases later, the prop landed in the corner and Baille scored the try.
Ramos added another point from the far corner. Great kick.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:05
France 0-0 South Africa
2 minutes: The hosts got off to a great start, showing all their expertise on the feet and almost scoring within the first two minutes. Jalibert recovered the first chip over the top before Biel Bialley came close to landing in the corner.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:04
kick off!France 0-0 South Africa
Both anthems will be sounded by their respective teams and the stage will be set at the Stade de France.
South Africa now begins their final World Cup quarter-final.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 20:01
players appear
Kolisi and Dupont lead the team to the front of the tunnel, and upon exiting the tunnel, they receive an enthusiastic welcome in Paris.
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 19:54
Kickoff is approaching
This weekend’s quarterfinals have already delivered three absolute corkers. Can I go out excited?
As kick-off approaches, the atmosphere at the Stade de France is improving. Just 10 minutes left…
ben flemingOctober 15, 2023 19:48
