Rugby WC23 : South Africa win an epic vs France to set up SF clash with England who beat Fiji

 


England will play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after the Springboks defeated hosts France in an epic clash in Paris.


Defending champions South Africa edged a titanic contest 29-28, 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.


Handre Pollard then extended South Africa’s lead with a penalty and although Thomas Ramos cut their lead back to one point, the holders broke France hearts as they held on to a thrilling victory.


The first half will go down as one of the greatest ever seen, with three tries apiece amid an unbelievable display of pace, physicality and skill from both sides.


But it was the Springboks who held their nerve in what was a battle for the ages, and they will now play England next Saturday after they edged Fiji in another dramatic quarter-final contest.






Meanwhile , England are through to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after surviving a late Fiji comeback in Marseille.


Owen Farrell kicked the vital points required to steer England through to a final four clash against  defending champions South Africa, but only after Fiji levelled the contest at 24-24 with two quick-fire tries through prop Peni Ravai and flyhalf Vilimoni Botitu.


Fiji will rue three relatively simple shots at goal that were missed, as well as unforced errors that eased the pressure on England. Centres Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant scored first-half tries and Farrell was unerring with the boot, including a late drop-goal. 


England led 21-10 at halftime and looked in total control of the game for the first 60 minutes before holding off a stern Fijian challenge in the final quarter.


England reach their sixth World Cup semi-final and will go in search of a fifth final appearance when they meet holders South Africa in the last four. They play later on Sunday in Paris.



Courtesy : independent.uk.com

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