15 December, 2025, 9:18 am Central - 23°C Rain

South Africa beat France 29-28 to book semi final clash against England

South Africa beat France 29-28 to book semi final clash against England

By Navitalai Naivalurua
16/10/2023
[Photo: World Rugby]

South Africa kept the defence of their World Cup title alive with a thrilling 29-28 victory over France in one of the greatest matches in Rugby World Cup history.

Eben Etzebeth's powerful surge saw the Springboks to come from behind to end France's 18-game winning run on home soil and book a semi-final clash with England in a repeat of the 2019 final.

Both sides scored three tries in a pulsating first-half at Stade de France before a Thomas Ramos penalty handed the hosts a narrow lead at the interval.

Ramos added another three points as France led by their returning talisman Antoine Dupont, looked to wrestle momentum from the defending champions.

Etzebeth's try overturned the deficit before Handre Pollard's huge penalty from inside his own half proved to be decisive.

Another Ramos penalty brought France to within a single point, to set-up a thrilling finale at the same venue that witnessed another last-eight thriller between New Zealand and Ireland just 24-hours earlier.

France looked to keep the ball alive late on, but as it spilled forward and Kurt Lee-Arendse pumped it into the stands.

Looking at the semi finals, Argentina will meet the All Blacks at 7am Saturday and England will play the Springboks at 7am Sunday.

Both games will be played at Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Fijians urged to stay alert as TD03F brings rain and unsettled weather
People are being urged to remain vigilant and prepare as the effects of Tropical Depression TD03F are expected to be felt from tonight.According to th...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Second suspect in Raiwai robbery arrested
The second suspect allegedly involved in an aggravated robbery outside the Raiwai Top Shop yesterday has been arrested.Police say the arrest was ...
37 minutes ago

16 people have been killed in a shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach
16 people have been killed in a shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach, which targeted the Jewish community, as more than 1,000 people attended an event ...
48 minutes ago

18 youths graduate from Basic Poultry Production training in Vanua Levu
18 youths have gained valuable hands-on skills and new income opportunities after completing a three-week Basic Poultry Production course at the ...
2 hours ago

23-year-old man arrested for allegedly assaulting police officer in Suva
A 23-year-old man from Nabua Topline has been arrested in Suva for allegedly assaulting a police officer on Waimanu Road yesterday. Police say they ...
2 hours ago

Two gunmen open fire at Bondi Chanukkah event, 10 confirmed dead
A gunman has been shot dead and another is being treated after opening fire on Bondi beach, killing 10 people in what is believed to be a targeted ...
12 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
3 days ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
3 days ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
7 days ago

TOP