Match report
Here’s Michael Aylwin’s report from an extraordinary night in Paris. See you next week for the semi-finals – and thanks for all your tweets and emails. Au revoir.
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Eben Etzebeth: “That was an incredible Test match. A one-point game, could have gone either way. We are so relieved, the French must feel heartbroken. It was a massive team effort. We’ll enjoy it tonight, then focus on England and a huge game.”
Maybe it’s too simplistic for such a tight, tactical battle – but I keep wondering how South Africa managed to want it more than France.
Jacques Nienaber: “Playing France here in Paris was a massive challenge, the momentum shifted during the game, but experience and that calm edge saw us through.”
On the tap penalty that led to Etzebeth’s try: “it was something we worked on … we had an opportunity just before that but France stole our lineout, and we wanted to take this opportunity.
On facing England: “It’s going to be tight from here, that’s what World Cup knockout rugby is about. It could be another one-pointer.”
Des Brown is more optimistic, pointing to the 2007 World Cup when England lost 36-0 to South Africa (stay with us here) … and fought back to reach the final, beating hosts and favourites France in the semi-finals. It’s on!
As for England’s prospects:
@niallmcveigh I'm thinking SA might be the better opponents for England. After today they might have the fans on their side? Maybe? A little? Lets be honest, it's goint o be a massacre.
— Brendan Large (@brendanlarge) October 15, 2023
“My jaw dropped with that French penalty with 10 mins to go! Kick for the corner!” writes Feargal. Well, hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it’s a fair point. South Africa were in a similar position, went for the try and got it. You don’t want to die wondering, and France might feel that’s what happened tonight.
So many immense performances from South Africa – Etzebeth, Du Toit, Mbonambi (the player of the match) in the pack, Kolbe, De Allende and Arendse at the back – and the risky tactical changes early in the second half paid off. The Springboks’ 5:3 bench proved stronger, with Nche, De Klerk and Kwagga Smith all excellent and Handre Pollard kicking what proved to be the winning penalty.
Putting in the hard yards for his country
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 15, 2023
Mbongeni Mbonambi is the @mastercard #POTM#RWC2023 | #FRAvRSA | #Priceless pic.twitter.com/oMkfdV7LuG
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A great point from Guy here – had Kolbe not chased down that Ramos conversion, France would be in the semi-finals.
What a staggering game of rugby @niallmcveigh. A weekend of shocks, not one favourite won, and England the only NH team in the semis, which seems wild. SA won it in the air, France couldn't cope with it. But that charged down conversion was the difference. It's the fine margins.
— Guy Hornsby (@GuyHornsby) October 15, 2023
Siya Kolisi: “I want to say well done to the French team, and their fans – they can be proud of their team. We really wanted it, we knew how tough it was going to be. The people back at home, they can’t afford to be here, but they send videos, schools sing for us. We play for a nation, it’s not for us. Win or lose, we will always fight for it.”
“Can England just forfeit?” honks Jeff Sax. Clearly, Steve Borthwick’s mob would have been big underdogs against either side – but I feel like France, under pressure of home expectations, were marginally the better opponents for England to get.
As Tim points out on email, predictions of a northern final-four lockout have proved way off. Instead, the only northern hemisphere team in the semi-finals is … England. While we’re at it, they’re also now the only unbeaten team left in the tournament.
Full time: France 28-29 South Africa
C’est fini. The hosts’ World Cup dream is shattered, France beaten by a point after an extraordinary performance from South Africa. The Springboks simply will not let go of their trophy, and their defence sucked the life from their opponents in a brutal second half.
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80 mins: France 28-29 South Africa Into 10 phases, close to drop-goal range – but the ball pops out, Arendse gathers and kicks into touch. Delirium for South Africa, despair for France!
79 mins: Penaud wins it back and then bursts beyond the gain line. The clock is heading into the red. This is France’s last chance …
77 mins: France 28-29 South Africa The tension is almost unbearable. France win the scrum and surge upfield, the crowd barely able to roar them on. Bielle-Biarrey finds Penaud, who somehow keeps it in play, finding Fickou. But South Africa are back in numbers, relentless, and force a turnover!
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76 mins: De Klerk’s throw hits a French player and we’ll restart with a French put-in at the scrum. We go through two resets, with Ben O’Keeffe talking to the front-rowers. He wants stability and space. Don’t we all, Ben?
75 mins: Mbonambi, who has been everywhere up front, is going off –Du Toit is coming back on to restock the pack. Ramos’ kick goes straight into touch – that could be a costly mistake, with South Africa getting the penalty.
74 mins: France 28-29 South Africa The Springboks win the ball from the scrum, and Kolbe goes for a cheeky drop goal! It drops well wide, though. Deep breaths, everyone …
France 28-29 South Africa (Ramos pen 72')
Just look at that scoreline. Ramos adds the three points, and there’s a point in this game. Matthieu Jalibert is going off, replaced by the wing Yoram Moefana, leaving Dupont alone as the creative force.
70 mins: Dupont reverts to the chip-kick tactic that worked so well in the first half. He finds Jalibert, who slaloms past Pollard. France have a penalty advantage, Dupont’s diagonal kick collected by the excellent Arendse. Ramos will take the three points …
France 25-29 South Africa (Pollard pen 68')
He never looks like missing, and the lead stretches to four points! Seko Macalou comes on for Aldritt in the French back row.
68 mins: Smith wins a penalty just behind the halfway line, but replays suggest he put his hand down for too long while trying to claim the ball. It’s not overturned, and Pollard will go for this …
TRY! France 25-26 South Africa (Etzebeth 67')
Snyman goes headlong into the blue wall ahead, and a French player is offside. Penalty advantage, but De Klerk wants the score and finds Etzebeth – who hauls three players with him as he crashes over the line. Pollard converts, and South Africa lead!
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65 mins: South Africa snatch the ball at a scrum and kick downfield. Dupont has to scramble back and while he collects it, he’s isolated – and has to concede the penalty. The Boks turn down the penalty. Big call – will it pay off?
“What a match!” says Denis O’Brien. “End to end but France are a touch more fluid.” On the other hand, I’m not sure South Africa are capable of admitting defeat.
63 mins: It’s been a very different second half, but no less compelling in its own way. South Africa’s bench is now empty, Vincent Koch on for Malherbe. Try-scorer Mauvaka is replaced by Pierre Bourgarit as France refresh their front row.
62 mins: France sweep upfield again, still with no changes outside the pack. Danty’s muscle starts the move, before Dupont’s pass evades Jalibert and almost lands at Kolbe’s feet. A nation ducks behind their sofas, but France keep ball and Ollivon is stopped by an ankle-tap from De Klerk.
61 mins: A telling stat – South Africa have missed 31 tackles to France’s 12. Du Toit is going off for a head injury assessment (I think), with No 8 Vermeulen coming back on.
60 mins: France’s turn to defend from the front, forcing a quickfire Springboks move further and further backwards until Le Roux knocks on. The hosts have a 6:2 split in favour of forwards on their bench, South Africa have gone 5-3. France have two forwards yet to come on, the Boks just one.
59 mins: Aldegheri is welcomed to the game by Ox Nche, forcing an error at the scrum. Boks penalty, kicked to the corner … but France claim the lineout!
58 mins: Is the momentum shifting again? Kolbe produces another outrageous, ankle-snapping run through the middle but France hold on. Dorian Aldegheri replaces Atonio in the hosts’ front row.
57 mins: France penalty, but a shocking kick from Jalibert goes backwards into touch. A few errors creeping in from the hosts with the finish line on the horizon.
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56 mins: What can South Africa do in attack after being penned back since the restart? Arendse beats Bielle-Biarrey in the air and Kwagga Smith surges forward – but France stay firm, more good work from Taofifenua forcing Smith to hold on too long.
France 25-19 South Africa (Ramos pen 54')
It’s an easy one on most nights, but not tonight. Still, Ramos lifts it between the sticks easily enough – and France extend their lead.
53 mins: The new front row lads get acquainted in another ferocious scrum, with Nche penalised for going on to his knee. Penalty advantage, and the Springboks are flying into every tackle. In the end, Ramos opts to kick for goal …
52 mins: Willie Le Roux, Kwagga Smith and Ox Nche – an exceptional collection of names – come on for South Africa, replacing Willemse, Vermeulen and Kitshoff. Anthony Jelonch is going off for France, replaced by Francois Cros.
51 mins: Taofifenua makes an immediate impact, bulldozing through a tackle and offloading neatly to Alldritt. Again, though, the green wall holds firm, and France’s search for a fourth try goes on.
50 mins: France’s first changes are more functional, with Reda Wardi and Romain Taofifenua on for Baille and Flament. “Do we have an exact speed Cheslin Kolbe was running when he charged down that conversion?” asks Daley Smith. “It was astonishingly quick.”
49 mins: More exceptional defence from South Africa in the face of fluid French attack, led by the double-pronged attack of Dupont and Jalibert. This time, Frans Malherbe strips the ball away and Pollard clears. Etzebeth returns to the field, his sin-bin time served.
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48 mins: One theory is that the Boks coaches want their forwards to carry more, rather than stay defensive. Taking off your captain and fly-half (both of whom were playing well) feels like a match-defining decision. Will Galthié respond, or bide his time?
46 mins: Dupont breaks clear of the tackle on the left but sees his kick-through towards Bielle-Biarrey intercepted. Another change for South Africa, and it’s the captain, Siya Kolisi, who departs! He’s replaced by hooker Deon Fourie in a bold reshuffle of the forward line.
44 mins: South Africa have held this second-half wave so far, but are now making changes – with Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok both going off! Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard come on, with RG Snyman replacing Franco Mostert in the second row.
42 mins: French aggression at the scrum, and Kolbe clears well under pressure. France dominate at the breakdown and Ollivon advances. Fickou is picked out on the right but runs into a forest of green shirts, and eventually Dupont’s rangy pass back is spilled by Penaud.
Part deux
France kick off the second half, and it’s confirmed that Etzebeth will be back – it stays a yellow card, but he still has eight minutes to wait.
“This is how rugby needs to be played,” nods Jeff Sax. I agree in principle, although my hands are hurting a bit.
“It’s a shame Cyril Baille scored France’s third and that it wasn’t Uini Atonio – that way France’s try scorers would have been numbers 1, 2 and 3,” says Andy Flintoff (not that one).
Interesting also that France have scored three tries through front-rowers, with South Africa’s backs running in three on the break.
“This is what you get when a tall guy tries to tackle a much shorter guy,” says Henry. “Eben has already lowered his body and gets headbutted because the French player spins round!” For what it’s worth, I can’t see his yellow card being upgraded to red, and for the sake of the game, I hope it isn’t.
“This is astonishing!” cheers Timothy Beecroft. “Are both teams going to carry on like this or will one of them try to close things down?” I think it will inevitably tighten up – the stakes are just too high – but both these teams and coaches want to do things differently, so who knows?
Half time! France 22-19 South Africa
After that diversion, Ramos kicks the penalty and the hosts lead by three points after a thrilling, relentless half of rugby. More soon.
South Africa yellow card (Etzebeth)
This could be crucial – The Springboks’ No 4 mistimes his challenge on Atonio, and while he was lowering his body there was clear head contact. A yellow card, and a review to come.
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39 mins: Kitshoff gets penalised for more over-exuberance at the breakdown. Can France edge ahead at half-time? First, we’ve got a TMO review for foul play against Eben Etzebeth …
36 mins: Dupont waits patiently for the scrum to assemble, before Jalibert sweeps a pass wide to Bielle-Biarrey. His kick is collected by Willemse, who calls a mark and South Africa opt for the scrum. Some mind games late in the half? Either way, the Boks are able to clear the ball away.
33 mins: Pieter-Steph du Toit reels in a high ball and it almost breaks for Libbok, making a familiar burst through the French defence but knocking on as he tried to gather. “Argentina are gonna have their work cut out in the final,” writes Paul Griffin.
TRY! France 19-19 South Africa (Baille 31')
Dupont is just relentless, and his latest kick for the corner is carried into touch by Kolbe. From the lineout, France go for power and after Mauvaka punches a hole in the defence, Baille crashes over for a second time. Ramos converts.
30 mins: France almost get their third try, Dupont’s kick evading Kolisi but also Penaud, with Cobus Reinach getting back to pounce on the loose ball …
“Who are the officials?” asks Dave Smith. Apologies, I meant to mention that in the first minute, but then this happened. Ben O’Keeffe is the referee, Brendon Pickerill the TMO. Paul Williams and James Doleman are the assistants trying to keep up with Dupont, Kolbe and co.
TRY! France 12-19 South Africa (Kolbe 26')
Ah now, this is getting silly. It’s another ruthless counter from South Africa as France are turned over, with Jesse Kriel’s inch-perfect diagonal ball collected by Cheslin Kolbe. Nobody’s catching him, and Libbok adds the conversion!
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24 mins: Oof! Ramos lines up the conversion … but it’s charged down by Cheslin Kolbe, moving at a frankly terrifying pace. That sums up the Springboks so far; they are scrapping for everything.
TRY! France 12-12 South Africa (Mauvaka 23')
The Boks are penalised, Dupont takes the tap-and-go and with the defence on their heels, this time the front-rower barrelling over in the corner is Peato Mauvaka!
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22 mins: If France are feeling the pressure, they don’t show it – quick hands get them downfield in an instant, and despite a crafty attempted steal from Kolisi, Dupont holds on to the ball …
TRY! France 7-12 South Africa (De Allende 19')
Well then. After Kriel is held up, Manie Libbok’s awkward diagonal ball causes chaos in the French defence, allowing Damian de Allende to charge for the line. He is stopped the first time, but is there when the ball is recycled to duck inside the line. Libbok misses the conversion, though.
15 mins: It drops just short, and South Africa repel the next blue wave after another Dupont chip-kick in behind. France end up being penalised for not releasing.
14 mins: From the France lineout, another quick drive makes Steven Kitshoff panic and reach in at the side for the ball. He shakes his head, and Ramos will have a go at the posts from near the halfway line …
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12 mins: A midfield scrum, a chance for the backs to breathe and the forwards to push even harder. South Africa hold firm, and Willemse kicks downfield for territory.
11 mins: Manie Libbok kicks a beautiful conversion from the touchline, and we’re level. That’s a welcome boost for the fly-half, whose kicking record has been under scrutiny. What a start to the game! It’s been a breathless first 10 minutes.
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TRY! France 7-7 South Africa (Arendse 9')
And this is why they’re world champions. The Springboks clear the relentless pressure and apply some of their own through a Duane Vermeulen turnover. Etzebeth forces a handling error from Fickou and it bounces kindly for Arendse, who is simply too quick for the French backfield.
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6 mins: Kolbe tries to skip infield but France strip the ball and their hooker, Peato Mauvaka, is on the charge! When he’s hauled down, Dupont is there to find space on the left – and with Fickou closing in, a second try feels inevitable … but somehow, Eben Etzebeth gets a big palm on the pass to stop them!
TRY! France 7-0 South Africa (Baille 3')
France have the first try of the game, and South Africa don’t know what’s hit them! A lineout leads to an impromptu two-man maul with Atonio and Danty leading the charge. The Springboks are cut apart and Penaud hands off to … Cyril Baille! It’s total rugby. Ramos lands a tricky conversion under pressure.
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1 min: Jalibert skids successfully on to Dupont’s kick-through and then lofts the ball towards the corner, where Louis Bielle-Biarrey is roared on. Kurt-Lee Arendse gets back to clear away – and the referee rules that he didn’t intentionally push the ball out, much to the home fans’ chagrin.
Here we go!
Ears still ringing from La Marseillaise, South Africa get the match under way. Thomas Ramos, whose kicking could be crucial, collects an early high ball.
Before the anthems, a minute’s silence is held for victims of the Hamas attacks in Israel and the continuing violence in Israel and Palestine. It’s mostly well-observed, but a couple of bozos insist on shouting out repeatedly – I can’t make out what they’re saying, but it brings the silence to a premature close.
A couple of legends shoot the breeze before kick-off …
Just Siya and Antoine discussing the weather 😂#RWC2023 | #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/aKmcVDb5be
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 15, 2023
Here’s Jacques Nienaber: “We had two weeks to prepare, but it’s tough when you play the host nation.” How will he combat the often fast-starting French? We have a few things up our sleeve … we must be accurate, the team who takes their chances will win tonight.”
And here’s Raphaël Ibañez, France’s team manager. “We strictly followed the surgeon’s advice [on Dupont]. Antoine trained well, he is a top player, he has a big influence on his teammates, so that’s why he’s playing tonight. It’ll be a very tight game, we have to take any scoring opportunity.”
@niallmcveigh another Titanic battle ahead of us. How long will the little magician be able to withstand those Bok Beasts raining down on him? Ramos’s kicking has been class so far that could be the difference between them tonight. Like last night it’ll be fine margins. Home win
— John McEnerney (@MackerOnTheMed) October 15, 2023
@niallmcveigh on the other hand The Boks are The Boks they’re a special breed of rugby players & they know like The All Blacks how to get the job done even if there’s 80000 fans against them. Once they unleash The Bokalypse we will see what France are made of!
— John McEnerney (@MackerOnTheMed) October 15, 2023
As Michael Aylwin writes, both teams have played against type at times in this tournament.
One side have gone with a 5-3 split on the bench, the other 6-2. One have picked a brilliant playmaker at fly-half over a consistent goal-kicker; the other the World Cup’s leading points scorer. One have talked about being nice to referees and wanting to be liked; the other risked international condemnation by rushing back their best player from a serious head injury in pursuit of victory.
One team is France, one is South Africa. You would never have guessed which was which just a few weeks ago. Answer: South Africa are the first in each dichotomy.
In case you missed it, tonight’s winners will face England in the semi-final after Owen Farrell led a hard-fought victory over Fiji.
Some pre-match reading from Jonathan Liew on how South Africa’s 1995 triumph inspired Fabien Galthié, and why the France head coach took his players to see the ruins of Notre Dame.
The teams
France
Starting XV: 15 Thomas Ramos; 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gaël Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey; 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c); 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Cameron Woki, 5 Thibaud Flament; 6 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Gregory Alldritt.
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana.
South Africa
Starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse; 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe; 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach; 1 Steven Kitshoff 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Franco Mostert; 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie Le Roux.
Preamble
Even for a World Cup quarter-final, this is a massive game. It’s the hosts against the holders, second v third in the world; whoever wins will become favourites to win it all. This clash of titans would do quite nicely as the final. But here we are: c’est la vie.
Fabian Galthié had expected to lead the Republic to victory as the kings of a northern renaissance, but this weekend the southern hemisphere has struck back. South Africa, lurking with intent ever since their defeat to a now-eliminated Ireland side three week ago, will hope to continue that trend tonight.
Jacques Nienaber’s ruthless disruptors are a true big-game team, a Death Star of a squad without so much as a thermal exhaust port to fire at hopefully. France have pinned hopes on their prodigal son, Antoine Dupont, who is back in the side after the cheekbone injury that shook a nation.
The hosts have offered us drama and romance, stunning the All Blacks to ignite the tournament and producing spells of interstellar rugby despite the absence of Dupont. Like New Zealand last night, South Africa are here to grind a dream to dust. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object, and something’s got to give.
Kick-off: 9pm in Paris and Cape Town, 8pm BST.
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