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WATCH: Highlights of Boks v France, including that Kolbe charge down!
The defending champions from 2019, the Springboks, edged their hosts, France, in one of the most tense rugby matches played in years.
The Boks beat France 29-28 in a World Cup quarter-final in Paris on Sunday. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
It is a game that will live long in the memory of all rugby lovers, all over the world It had sensational tries, edge-of-the-seat action and plenty to talk about afterwards.
After 80 pulsating minutes it was the Springboks who came out on top, 29-28, against the Rugby World Cup hosts, France, in the last of the four quarter-finals, in Paris, on Sunday.
Thriller
In a seven-try thriller, France captain Antoine Dupont returned to action after weeks out with a broken cheekbone and played probably the game of his life. He was as impressive as he’s ever been, but it was not enough as the Boks rallied from conceding an early try and going down to 14 men at one stage to win an epic encounter.
Siya Kolisi’s team will now face England for a place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. The other semi-final will see New Zealand take on Argentina.
One of the biggest talking points of the match in Paris was the charge down by Cheslin Kolbe of Thomas Ramos’ conversion kick from the touchline. It has been widely debated and discussed … was it a legal charge down, or did Kolbe jump the gun?
Watch the charge down and reaction here:
Besides Kolbe’s charge down, there were other big moments that helped swing the match the Boks’ way.
Two smart up-and-unders resulted in Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian de Allende scoring tries, a clever kick into space by Jesse Kriel saw Kolbe collect a bouncing ball and score, and some good work at the breakdown won the Boks penalties, from which Eben Etzebeth scored a stunning game-changing try and Handre Pollard slotted a 52m penalty.
