The last of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals promises to be an absolute cracker. France and South Africa will duel in Paris for the right to play England in a week’s time, with tonight’s victor very likely to be pronounced the favourite to go all the way and lift the trophy later this month.
In the blue corner, Antoine Dupont has been passed fit to start only three weeks after requiring facial surgery in a big boost to Les Bleus as they look to win the World Cup for the first-ever time and, on home soil, many believe their time is now. However, they have often struggled to beat South Africa.
In the green and gold corner, a Springboks side determined to show they can still rule the world by successfully defending their trophy, despite coming off second-best in their pool-stage battle with Ireland. Follow France vs South Africa LIVE with Standard Sport’s match blog!
Live updates
France vs South Africa: Countdown to kick-off
So, we know which team tonight’s winner will play in Paris next Saturday.
And we’re two hours away from kicking off at the Stade de France for the last quarter-final of this World Cup…
Let’s bring you the Springboks’ team news.
Tonight’s winner will play…
England!
An intense end in Marseille and the Red Rose come out on top 30-24!
How France line up
France XV: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (c); Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio; Woki, Flament; Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt
Replacements: Bourgarit, Wardi, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Lucu, Moefana
France team news
Antoine Dupont starts for France after returning to training early this week, barely three weeks after facial surgery, and his return is a massive boost for Les Bleus.
The scrum-half is named in the XV as the only change to the side from the final pool-stage match against Italy, with Maxime Lucu dropping to the bench as his captain comes back in.
Hooker Julien Marchand remains unavailable, while Les Blues have gone for a 6-2 split on the bench as they strengthen their forward options.
All square in Marseille…
Fiji have scored two late tries to potentially send their tie with England into extra time!
Follow that game live here
Where to watch France vs South Africa
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game is available to watch live and free to air in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7.15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the quarter-final action live online via the ITVX website and app.
France vs South Africa LIVE!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup quarter-final between France and South Africa!
We’ve already seen Argentina, New Zealand and maybe soon England book their place in the final four.
But whoever comes out on top of this clash in Paris may well be seen as the favourites to lift the trophy in just a couple of weeks’ time.
Kick-off from Stade de France in Saint-Denis comes at 8pm BST and you can follow all the build-up, match action and reaction right here!
