The Springboks pulled off an incredible 29-28 victory in the quarterfinals to eliminate home nation France from the Rugby World Cup, in what was unquestionably one of the most exciting matches of the competition.

The Springboks achieved a remarkable outcome that paved the way for their eventual World Cup triumph.

Coach Fabien Galthie acknowledged that it had left a “scar that will stay with us for life,” but for France, it was heartache and heartbreak.

Galthie, who hasn’t spoken to the media since the night of the loss on October 15, said, “For us, it was a time of mourning.” “After four years of arduous work, four years of fruitful work with eighty percent victories, and all those records, it’s a huge letdown.

Coach Fabien Galthie believes that France will always carry a “scar” from the Springboks’ quarterfinal victory.

“Being world champions was the only goal we had in mind. There wasn’t another. If we had lost by a single point in the semifinal, our disappointment would have been the same. If we had lost by a single point in the championship game, the disappointment would have remained the same.

“The difference is that we would have had an extra week. The difference is enormous because we wanted to experience these moments that we’ve been working towards for four years. So the disappointment is enormous.”

THE SPRINGBOKS FINISH THE YEAR AS THE NO 1 TEAM IN THE WORLD

The All Blacks lost 12-11 to the United States in the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 final, which cost them second place in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

With a new rating of 89.80 points, Ian Foster’s team will move up to take the position of Ireland, who started the weekend in third place. The team is expected to lose 1.76 points.

With an enhanced rating of 94.54 points, South Africa maintains its top spot but gains 1.75 points more than before.

England closes the gap on the top four but will still finish fifth, 2.27 points behind France, having earned nearly the same number of points for their 26-23 victory over Argentina in the bronze final.

Argentina, with a lower rating of 80.68 points, will continue to occupy seventh place, just ahead of Wales.