The Springboks sent a chilling warning to England when it came to the World Cup with a classic quarter-final knockout against hosts France.
Defending champions Siya Kolisi eventually prevailed in a very good clash in Paris, in which six attempts occurred in a surprising 30-minute first half.
Fans called the first 40 minutes “the most productive part of rugby”. Springboks legend and World Cup winner Bryan Habana insisted: “It was the maximum functionality I’ve ever noticed in a South African team.
“It’s the most colossal, gladiatory thing and what I’ve ever noticed in a Springbok team.
“They dug deeper than a Springbok team has ever done to face a French team. It was as special as it can be. “
The win ended France’s 18-match run at home and South Africa will now face Owen Farrell and Co. in Saturday’s semi-final at the same Stade de France stadium.
Springbok giant padlock Eben Etzebeth, who in the past had been convicted of an illegal confrontation, won the seventh winning control in this brutal and grueling contest.
Wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe, along with center Damián de Allende, scored all 3 South African goals.
French captain Antoine Dupont returned from a fractured cheekbone, but was unable to lead his troops to victory in the tournament’s biggest attack.
This is despite two attempts from prop Cyril Baille and a few attempts from hooker Peato Mauvaka.
The French led 22-19 in stoptime, but Etzebeth’s tough run and second-half test proved decisive.
The South Africans also enjoyed a very good conversion from Kolbe in the first half, which prevented Les Bleus from scoring two more goals that would have ultimately earned them the match.
Kolisi said: “We knew how difficult it would be to face a French team at home. The guys that came off the bench made a big difference.
“Our fans can’t be here, but we’re betting on them at home. “
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