Captain Siya Kolisi celebrated the Springboks’ 29-28 Rugby World Cup quarter-final victory over France in Paris on Sunday.
South Africa scored four tries to France’s two. Hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi was named Player of the Match.
“We worked together as a team and we talked a lot about never giving up. We knew it would take something special and we did it today,” said Kolisi.
“France asked a lot of questions of us, but the character we showed stood out. We had a clear plan on what we needed to do, especially at the breakdown.
South Africa played with 14 men through the closing throes of the first half and opening minutes of the second after lock Eben Etzebeth received a yellow card.
“And we had to fight for one another, especially in the last eight minutes of the yellow card. I’m proud of the guys and the discipline they showed,” added Kolisi.
“We knew how loud and intense it would be at the stadium, but the French people can be proud of their team. It was a tough game, and we knew it would take something special.”
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The Springboks captain Siya Kolisi!#SABCSportRugby #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/0S0CpfjNIK
β SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 15, 2023
South Africa and England will contest the second Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday. Argentina and New Zealand will play the first on Friday.
The Springboks are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions. They have won the title three times – in 1995, 2007 and 2019.
