The cold snap is inevitable. France was waiting and firmly believing in the coronation of its rugby team. Antoine Dupont was back: nothing could stop the Blues. Nothing, except South Africa, reigning world champion, who scored a small point more than Fabien Galthié’s players. Enough to eliminate the host of this World Cup. A very high-level meeting, titanic even, during which the number 2 and number 3 in the rugby world rankings went blow for blow. And from the outset, to the point of making history.
This France – South Africa was indeed the scene of a record. Second or even third level information, certainly, after the immense disillusionment, but which still reflects the level of the meeting. The Tricolores started with a bang, the Boks responded and took control, the Blues regained control of the match… A crossover that has gone down in history.
Because in 31 minutes, six tries were scored: three by France (Baille twice -4e31e– and Mauvaka -22e-) and three by South Africa (Arendse -8e-, De Allende -18e-, Kolbe -22e-). An intensity never before experienced in the World Cup.
In the history of the competition, created in 1987, no opposition had seen so many tries scored in such a short time during a final phase match (quarter, semi, small final and final combined). In 1987, New Zealand scored four tries against Wales in the same amount of time in the semi-final, the previous record.
This intensity will not change at the end of the match and France must resolve to leave the Rugby World Cup. A competition which, during the quarter-finals, did not disappoint with the level offered.