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South Africa narrowly defeated France 29-28 in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in a gripping match that showcased both teams’ determination, commitment, and skill. South African captain Siya Kolisi praised his team’s performance and credited encouragement from their supporters back home as their driving force. The French team bid farewell to the Rugby World Cup, while South Africa’s Springboks look ahead to the semi-finals against England.
What was the outcome of the South Africa vs France match in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals?
South Africa emerged victorious with a narrow 29-28 win over host nation France in a gripping face-off. The match was intense, with both teams showcasing their determination, commitment, and skill on the field. South African captain Siya Kolisi praised his team’s performance and credited encouragement from their supporters back home as their driving force. The French team bid farewell to the Rugby World Cup, while South Africa’s Springboks look ahead to the semi-finals.
In a gripping face-off between South Africa and host nation France, the Springboks secured a spot in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with a narrow 29-28 victory in Paris. The intensity of the match captivated spectators as both teams showcased their determination, commitment, and skill on the field.
South Africa’s Captain Praises Team Effort
South African captain Siya Kolisi praised his team’s performance, recognizing the challenge of playing the French team on their home ground. “It was a difficult match,” he admitted. “We were well aware of how tough it would be with the French team at home, and I honestly just want to congratulate them on their accomplishments and hard work.” Kolisi also applauded the Springboks’ reserves, who made essential defensive contributions.
Aside from the athleticism and technical abilities exhibited during the match, the motivation of both teams played a crucial role in the outcome. The South African captain disclosed that encouragement from their supporters back home fueled their performance. “The videos of schools singing for us – that’s what we play for. We play for a nation; it’s not about us… and that’s our driving force,” Kolisi shared.
French Team Bids Farewell to Rugby World Cup
For the French side, this defeat is particularly difficult to accept as it marks the end of their aspirations to progress beyond the quarter-finals on home ground. Fly-half Matthieu Jalibert expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating, “It’s truly disheartening for us. We do have a capable group of young talents, but we can evaluate the future later. For now, it’s challenging to accept being eliminated.”
Flanker Francois Cros echoed his teammate’s sentiments, regretting the missed opportunity. “We never gave up in the match; we had all the necessary components, but it’s true that we conceded points too easily,” he admitted. “We can come up with various explanations, but the fact remains that it’s over for us, and our journey ends here. It’s unfortunate because we deserved to advance.”
Springboks Look Ahead to Semi-Finals
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, who notched a crucial second-half try, commented on the match’s intensity, saying, “That game ranks among the best in my career; it was an intense Test match. In the opening minutes, they scored, we scored, and it continued like that – a one-point game!” With this win, South Africa will now face England in the semi-finals, which, as Etzebeth acknowledged, is expected to be another immense showdown.
French Captain’s Comeback Sparks Optimism
Although the French team and their fans are undoubtedly devastated, there’s a sense of hope surrounding captain Antoine Dupont. Having suffered a broken cheekbone just a few weeks prior, he made a brave return to lead his team. France team manager Raphael Ibanez commended Dupont, stating, “I think he’s an exceptional player. I think he’s shown tremendous courage in recent weeks. We knew he could perform at that level, and he’s a true leader, so it’s promising.”
As the excitement of this intense Rugby World Cup episode subsides, the tenacity and passion exhibited by both teams will leave a lasting impression. While France’s quest has concluded, South Africa’s Springboks are focused on the semi-finals, driven by their unwavering determination and the steadfast support of their nation.
How did South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, feel about his team’s performance?
Siya Kolisi praised his team’s performance, recognizing the challenge of playing the French team on their home ground. “It was a difficult match,” he admitted. “We were well aware of how tough it would be with the French team at home, and I honestly just want to congratulate them on their accomplishments and hard work.” Kolisi also applauded the Springboks’ reserves, who made essential defensive contributions.
What role did motivation play in the outcome of the match?
Aside from the athleticism and technical abilities exhibited during the match, the motivation of both teams played a crucial role in the outcome. The South African captain disclosed that encouragement from their supporters back home fueled their performance. “The videos of schools singing for us – that’s what we play for. We play for a nation; it’s not about us… and that’s our driving force,” Kolisi shared.
How did the French team react to their loss?
For the French side, this defeat is particularly difficult to accept as it marks the end of their aspirations to progress beyond the quarter-finals on home ground. Fly-half Matthieu Jalibert expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating, “It’s truly disheartening for us. We do have a capable group of young talents, but we can evaluate the future later. For now, it’s challenging to accept being eliminated.”
What did South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth have to say about the match’s intensity?
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, who notched a crucial second-half try, commented on the match’s intensity, saying, “That game ranks among the best in my career; it was an intense Test match. In the opening minutes, they scored, we scored, and it continued like that – a one-point game!”
Who will South Africa face in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup?
With this win, South Africa will now face England in the semi-finals, which is expected to be another immense showdown.
How did French captain Antoine Dupont’s comeback from injury spark optimism?
Although the French team and their fans are undoubtedly devastated, there’s a sense of hope surrounding captain Antoine Dupont. Having suffered a broken cheekbone just a few weeks prior, he made a brave return to lead his team. France team manager Raphael Ibanez commended Dupont, stating, “I think he’s an exceptional player. I think he’s shown tremendous courage in recent weeks. We knew he could perform at that level, and he’s a true leader, so it’s promising.”
What was the final score of the match between South Africa and France?
South Africa narrowly defeated France 29-28 in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in a gripping match that showcased both teams’ determination, commitment, and skill.
What impression did the match leave on spectators?
As the excitement of this intense Rugby World Cup episode subsides, the tenacity and passion exhibited by both teams will leave a lasting impression. While France’s quest has concluded, South Africa’s Springboks are focused on the semi-finals, driven by their unwavering determination and the steadfast support of their nation.
