Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth acknowledged the intense physicality experienced during Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France in Paris.
South Africa scored four tries to France’s two to win 29-28 – and secure a semi-final berth against England on Saturday.
“That’s right up there in my career – that was a brutal Test match. In the first couple of minutes they scored, then we scored and it went on like that – a one point game,” said Etzebeth.
“Obviously it is a relief inside me. The French must be heartbroken, so thoughts to them.
“We will celebrate and then prepare for the semi-final with England – it will be a massive game.”
The Springboks played with 14 men for 10 minutes on either side of half-time after Etzebeth received a yellow card.
“Bad luck – I never want to get a yellow in an intense game. I just wanted to give it my all and it was a massive team effort,” he added.
Hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi won the Player of the Match award.
New Zealand and Argentina will contest Friday’s first semi-final.
South Africa are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions. They beat England in the 2019 final.
