Ruthless South Africa extinguish French fire to reach last four

PARIS :South Africa crushed France's hopes of a maiden World Cup title after withstanding a Paris storm to emerge 29-28 winners of a ferocious and breath-taking quarter-final on Sunday.

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.

South Africa, who will meet England for a place in the final, prevailed thanks to tries by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth and the kicks of Mannie Libbock and Handre Pollard.

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 result marked a brutal blow for France's new generation, who came into the tournament with the self-belief to claim a first World Cup title.

Les Bleus, however, suffered only their second home defeat in 26 home tests under Galthie, and this one will hurt forever.

"We are very sad tonight. I think we gave everything to win that game. We knew it would be a very tight game and we had to score every opportunity. We had good opportunities but unfortunately we couldn't convert them into points," France manager Raphael Ibanez said.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi said the bench was critical.

"I just thought we really wanted it. We knew how tough it was going to be. I must give credit to the guys that came off the bench, they came and made a huge difference," he said.

South Africa's kick-and-collect the crumbs tactics worked wonders in an explosive first half and Jacques Nienaber's