Who Will Win?
Two giants of rugby are set to collide this weekend when France take on South Africa at the Stade de France.
Although home heroes France will enter the encounter as slight favourites, this game really is a coin toss. After all, so many unanswered questions remain, such as: how will South Africa react to their defeat against Ireland earlier in the competition? Can Antoine Dupont perform at his best given his injury? How will South Africa’s sheer power matchup with the creativity and flair of the French?
All the pundits have their own view, but what’s yours? Vote in our poll and let us know how you think France vs South Africa will go.
Head-to-Head
South Africa have won four out of their last five meetings with France. However, this France team has been on another level over the past 24 months and has gradually been building to this day: a home knockout game at the Rugby World Cup.
As a result, even though the Springboks may have the psychological advantage in terms of past encounters, Les Bleus will fancy their chances in front of their home fans.
Team Form
Both France and South Africa enter this clash in fine form. Although South Africa lost against Ireland in Pool B, they’ve defeated England, Wales, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand in the last year. They’ve also dealt out some very harsh rugby lessons to Tonga and Romania at the Rugby World Cup.
France, meanwhile, are one of the most in-form sides in the world. They beat the All Blacks in the opening match of the tournament and they went through Pool A unbeaten.
Here you’ll find all the stats about the last five games each team has played, including the number of tries each team has scored, their overall points difference and the number of times they’ve scored the first try.
Player Head-to-Head
A game as big as this is often decided by one moment of individual brilliance. With this in mind, we’ve provided an overview of how Thomas Ramos and Elton Jantjies have performed in recent France vs South Africa games.
Other Fixtures
Many would argue that France vs South Africa is the highlight of the rugby calendar this weekend. However, three other Rugby World Cup quarter-finals are also taking place. Check out the latest fixtures and results.
France vs South Africa 2023: Detailed Match Preview
On Sunday 15th October, 2023, France will face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals at the Stade de France in Paris.
This is one of the most hotly anticipated games in recent memory, and both teams will be desperate to avoid exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage. Although France will be favourites (only just), Rassie Erasmus will undoubtedly have a few tricks up his sleeve, and the Springboks will be hoping that their power is too much for the French front row to handle.
Meanwhile, France will be disappointed that they’re not at full strength for the game, given their injury list. However, they will be bolstered by the return of star man Antoine Dupont, who many thought would miss this game with a fractured cheekbone.
Whoever wins this game will fancy going all the way - we can’t wait to see how the action unfolds.
Live Updates
Thomas Ramos has kicked a penalty goal.
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the penalty goal.
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the conversion.
South Africa are only a few metres out, surely they must score! And they do with Eben Etzebeth touching down.
Thomas Ramos does the business as their penalty goal attempt goes over.
Thomas Ramos kicks the penalty.
Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) is shown a yellow card
Thomas Ramos does the business as their conversion attempt goes over.
The pressure has finally told as Cyril Baille scores from close range.
Manie Libbok makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.
Cheslin Kolbe gathers the kick to score the try for South Africa.
France are stopped just a few metres from the try line but Peato Mauvaka picks up from the base of the ruck to score the try.
South Africa are stopped just a few metres from the try line but Damian de Allende picks up from the base of the ruck to score the try.
Manie Libbok has kicked a conversion.
A stunning solo try from Kurt-Lee Arendse
Thomas Ramos has kicked a conversion.
Great hands by France leads to a try for Cyril Baille