France vs South Africa LIVE! Rugby World Cup 2023 match stream, latest score and updates today
The last of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals promises to be an absolute cracker. France and South Africa will duel in Paris for the right to play England in a week’s time, with tonight’s victor very likely to be pronounced the favourite to go all the way and lift the trophy later this month.
In the blue corner, Antoine Dupont has been passed fit to start only three weeks after requiring facial surgery in a big boost to Les Bleus as they look to win the World Cup for the first-ever time and, on home soil, many believe their time is now. However, they have often struggled to beat South Africa.
In the green and gold corner, a Springboks side determined to show they can still rule the world by successfully defending their trophy, despite coming off second-best in their pool-stage battle with Ireland. Follow France vs South Africa LIVE with Standard Sport’s match blog!
Live updates
Scenes on the field
Antoine Dupont, bearing the scar below his eye of facial surgery undertaken mere weeks ago, has tears in his eyes as South Africa players embrace each other.
This was supposed to be France’s tournament. They’re out at the quarter-final stage.
Only England stand between more Southern Hemisphere supremacy at the Rugby World Cup.
France devastated!
The home fans don’t know whether to cheer their players’ effort or jeer them! Everyone wearing blue is STUNNED!
France 28-29 South Africa | FULL TIME!
The ball pops out and that’s it!
SOUTH AFRICA HAVE KNOCKED OUT FRANCE!
France 28-29 South Africa | 80 mins
The Springboks have the ball and are on the verge of knocking out the hosts, they kick and France win it.
Les Bleus need a hero and Dupont is at the centre of things but they are some way back. Penaud gains vital yards.
What’s their plan here?
France 28-29 South Africa | 79 mins
Two resets called and the referee has a word with the front rows in an effort to get the game going.
France bring it out and FLY down the left flank but South Africa get back and win the turnover in midfield!
France 28-29 South Africa | 77 mins
The Springboks are knocking hard at the door – a try here may well be the game.
The ball bounces around and accidental offside is the call, France will feed the scrum.
Captain Kolisi on the touchline is baffled by that decision.
France 28-29 South Africa | 75 mins
Ramos kicks out on the full – that’s not what France needed!
Time for a scrum on the 22 line right in front of France’s posts. A penalty right now for the Boks would go down very badly with the Parisians.
France 28-29 South Africa | 74 mins
France’s No10 Jalibert departs for Moefana, a key change for Les Bleus as they seek fresh legs and take possession inside their own 22.
The Stade de France is on its feet with this enthralling Rugby World Cup tie far from won.
The line-out is kept by South Africa, who might want to happily run the clock down but instead they attempt a snapshot drop goal… wide!
Penalty! France 28-29 South Africa | 72 mins
France take the three, Ramos kicking to reel South Africa back to within a drop goal or penalty.
Highlights: Crucial try from Etzebeth as South Africa take lead
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