In a nerve-racking, gutsy match in Saint-Denis on Sunday, 15 October, South Africa booted France – the hosts of the 2023 World Cup – out of the tournament by defeating them 29-28 to secure a place in the semifinal against England next weekend.

Six tries were scored in the first half of a knockout match for the first time in World Cup history as Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Damien de Allende went over inside the opening 30 minutes. The thrilling first half ended in a penalty kick by Ramos to give France a 22-19 lead going into the half-time break.KOLBE VS MBAPPE
While there were other crucial moments that helped the Springboks clinch a win, especially against a roaring French crowd, Boks wing Cheslin Kolbe’s determination and pace left Mzansi in awe as fans pitting him against French footballer Kylian Mbappe.

Like the Springboks’ fleet-footed 29-year-old, Mbappe (24) – who plays for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) – has blistering speed. And according to 947 presenter, Mo Flava, the desperate French side was hoping for a miracle even if it came in the form of Mbappe whose speed was needed in the dying minutes of the match.

“France were close to calling Mbappé to come get them over the line,” he joked.

“Kolbe is a better winger than Mbappe,” @nhloni_mk1 wrote.The Kolbe vs Mbappe comparisons were also fuelled by last year’s football encounter between SA and France which saw Les Bleus – who were World Cup champions at the time – trounce Bafana Bafana 5-0 in the one-sided affair at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille.

 

The international friendly encounter gave birth to a social media meme where Chippa United player Nyiko Mobbie tried and failed to keep up with Mbappe.