South Africa come from behind to overcome France and book a Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final against England

Antoine Dupont of France kicks the ball upfield whilst under pressure from Siya Kolisi of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on October 15, 2023 in Paris, France

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SAINT-DENIS – Defending champions South Africa ended French hopes in seven-try thriller after beating hosts France 29-28 in a pulsating encounter at Stade de France.

Damian de Allende of South Africa breaks to the try line to score his team's second try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on October 15, 2023 in Paris, France
(Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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.

Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa is tackled by Charles Ollivon of France during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on October 15, 2023 in Paris, France
(Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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 Kriel’s deft grubber to score, only for Baille to grab his second try and Ramos to land a penalty – for a high tackle by Eben Etzebeth which earned the second-row a yellow card – to give Les Bleus a 22-19 interval lead.

Pieter-Steph Du Toit of South Africa and Cameron Woki of France contest the line out during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on October 15, 2023 in Paris, France
(Photo by Justin Setterfield – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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.

Kurt-Lee Arendse of South Africa is tackled by Gael Fickou of France during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between France and South Africa at Stade de France on October 15, 2023 in Paris, France
(Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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