Summary

  • Holders South Africa knock out France in pulsating quarter-final in Paris

  • Springboks will face England in Saturday's semi-final at Stade de France

  • Converted Eben Etzebeth try gives South Africa lead late in second half

  • Handre Pollard penalty from inside his own half seals nail-biting victory

  • Teams shared six tries in sensational end-to-end first half

  • France captain Antoine Dupont played after recovering from fractured cheekbone

Live Reporting

Tom Rostance

  1. France 28-29 South Africa

    Thomas Ramos kicks it out on the full. That could be a crucial error from the France full-back. Scrum South Africa.

  2. France 28-29 South Africa

    There is a try at a drop-goal from wing Cheslin Kolbe, not what I was expecting, and it's a good attempt too! Just wide but there was silence in the air as that ball spiralled towards the target...

  3. France 28-29 South Africa

    It's been some weekend of rugby.

    France have seven minutes or so to stay in their own World Cup. Drop-goal o'clock?

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    So tense. Every quarter-final has been brilliant!

    Shaheen

  5. Penalty - France 28-29 South Africa

    Thomas Ramos

    France's full-back Thomas Ramos takes a penalty kickGetty Images

    It's a one-point game. Nerves of steel.

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    Absolutely gutted that one of these 2 teams is going out at the quarter final stage.

    Russ

  7. France 25-29 South Africa

    Here come France, brilliant from Matthie Jalibert with the kick ahead and catch but he's pulled down by Faf de Klerk. The South African replacement is offside though so France will have the penalty.

  8. France 25-29 South Africa

    France may have played the more eye-catching rugby but you cannot fault South Africa for their desire, strength and refusal to give in. Most teams would have been blown away by that early French play but here they are, in the driving seat as we approach the finishing line.

  9. Penalty - France 25-29 South Africa

    Handre Pollard

    Handre Pollard of South Africa kicksGetty Images

    How big is this moment?! What a few minutes for the champions as Handre Pollard drills a penalty dead straight and true from around the halfway line.

    France need a try.

  10. France 25-26 South Africa

    France trail by one point. They have 12 minutes, do they have the belief?

    South Africa instantly win a penalty on halfway - this is some second-half effort from the champions.

  11. 'Unbelievable strength from the big lad'

    France 25-26 South Africa

    Bobby Skinstad
    Former South Africa captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Eben Etzebeth of South Africa, celebates with team-matesGetty Images

    I cannot say anything, this is one of the best games I have ever seen. Eben Etzebeth carries half the French team on his back, unbelievable strength from the big lad.

  12. try

    Try - France 25-26 South Africa

    Eben Etzebeth (con Pollard)

    Eben Etzebeth drives over the try line to scoreGetty Images

    HUGE TRY!

    South Africa were bold to call that and it pays off as Eben Etzebeth just cannot be stopped from a few metres out. He's massive and has four men trying to stop him to no avail.

    Handre Pollard kicks the conversion and South Africa lead!

  13. France 25-19 South Africa

    It's a guaranteed three points turned down by South Africa. Bold, brave - and correct!

  14. France 25-19 South Africa

    Big moment - South Africa kick the ball deep, Antoine Dupont scurries back to get it but is wrapped up, he has to hang on and gift a penalty just a few metres out.

    Will South Africa take the kick and an easy three? No!

  15. France 25-19 South Africa

    It's such a contrast to the harum scarum first half, it's tight and tense but no less captivating. We're getting close to the point where any mistake or lack of discipline could cost one of these sides their World Cup.

    South Africa force another error from a scrum and immediately call for another one. It's deep in their half, admittedly.

  16. France 25-19 South Africa

    France now come, attacking with freedom and abandon, slinging it wide. The lines are starting to look ragged as the home crowd roar on the Blues...

  17. France 25-19 South Africa

    Pieter-Steph Du Toit of South Africa is tackled by Damien PenaudGetty Images

    An on-field medic has to take evasive action to avoid being taken out by a fearsome hit from Pieter-Steph du Toit. It's all fair game out there as we enter the final 20 minutes.

    Who can step up for their nation here? Legends may be made in the close of this epic.

  18. France 25-19 South Africa

    France have lost a bit of swagger, it's the defending champions who look to be on top now for sure. South Africa don't want to give up the Webb Ellis Cup just yet!

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    France's wing Damian Penaud is tackled by South Africa's fly-half Handre PollardGetty Images

    I'm still going for a France v New Zealand final, but think this trophy's home is going to be in the Northern Hemisphere. The French just seem to have such immaculate speed, teamwork and creativity.

    Sarah

  20. France 25-19 South Africa

    But France steal it from the lineout! That's big, just a few metres from the line.