South Africa's men's rugby team, known as the Springboks, are a step closer to an unprecedented fourth Rugby World Cup title after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2023 edition where they will face hosts France. The Springboks will have a mountain to climb to reach the final to defend their title as they face one of the top rugby nations in the world. Bolstered by home-ground advantage, Les Bleus will be looking to finally claim the crown after finishing as runners-up at the Rugby World Cup finals in 1987, 1999, and 2011. The sides last met in the semi-final of the 1995 Rugby World with hosts South Africa fending off a French onslaught before they went on to win their first of three titles. The French have won six of their 12 matches on home soil including last year’s 30-26 victory in Marselle.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 10, 2023 09:25 UTC