Eben Etzebeth crucial as Springboks squeak past dominant French in classic

• Eben Etzebeth has helped South Africa beat France in a frenetic quarter-final humdinger
• France's ambitions have been left in tatters despite dominating much of the end-to-end clash
• South Africa will now play England in the semi-finals after a hard-fought one point victory

South Africa's reign as rugby World Champions lasts another week.

The Springboks looked beaten by an outstanding French team who neutralised South Africa's physicality and appeared more clinical.

France had South Africa on the back foot from the opening minutes, but individual brilliance when needed most got the holders home, 29-28.

The French tempo was relentless from the outset and the Springboks conceded early.

South Africa were scrambling to avoid going two tries down when Eben Etzebeth's one handed slap-down went unpunished.

Damian De Allende's situational awareness earned second try before Antoine Dupont was equally intelligent to set up Peato Mauvaka in the corner.

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Both teams were brave and determined, trading scoring blows with an electric pace.

Eben Etzebeth was sent to the bin for head contact on the stroke of half time and Thomas Ramos slotted the penalty to take the teams in 22-19 at half time.

The second half began less fluid with teams being less expansive. Thanks to stauncher defence, France only added two penalties in the second half.

As well as Cheslin Kolbe's conversion charge down and Handre Pollard's 50-meter penalty, Etzebeth earned the defining moment of the match.

Gathering the ball 10 meters from Frances line, Etzebeth muscled through four defenders to crash over the line and put his nation in the lead.

Speaking after the match, coach Jacques Nienaber said:

"We needed to come up with solutions and they found solutions during the game"

Looking to the semi-final, Nienaber said:

"I think it's going to be a nice challenge. It's going to be small margins right to the end."

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Smallest of margins decisive

Sports Brief reported moments earlier that the Springboks had knocked the hosts out of the Rugby World Cup

The Springboks are always a difficult side to beat but for Les Blues would have fancied their chance on home soil.

South Africa will now face England in the next round in a week's time as they hope to defend their title in Paris.