Springboks to face England in the Rugby World Cup Semis.

Written by Ayanda Nyuswa on 16 October, 2023

By: Simtho Dladla

The Springboks will play England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after they deafeted the host nation France 29-28 in an epic clash in Paris.

A scintillating first half gave way to a brutal street fight and the Springboks’ experience made the difference against a French team playing their first knockout game since coach Fabien Galthie took over four years ago.

With Eben Etzebeth’s powerful try in the 67th minute earning the Springboks victory in a match that delivered drama and intensity of the highest order. France captain Antoine Dupont returned from cheekbone surgery, but the mercurial scrumhalf ran out of steam and ideas as Les Bleus could only score through tries by Cyril Baille (2) and Peato Mauvaka, Thomas Ramos adding 13 points from the tee.

The Springboks are the reigning champions, having won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 in Japan. They have a powerful and experienced squad, with many players who were part of that triumph. Although South Africa lost Makazole Mapimpi, one of their lynchpins four years ago, to injury during the pool stages they still have plenty of firepower in their arsenal. These include flyhalf Manie Libbok, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and utility back Canan Moodie.

image: Springboks