Pretoria – SA President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his “warm and proud congratulations – and those of the nation – to the Springboks” on their 29-28 Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final victory over France.
The defending champions’ victory in Paris against the host nation on Sunday, (15 October 2023), has set up a semi-final against England next weekend.
In November 2019, the Springboks defeated England to win the Rugby World Cup final in Japan.
President Ramaphosa also congratulated the 2023 host nation, France, on a performance that made the encounter in Paris a tense and dramatic game that was enjoyed by a stadium audience of 80 000 and millions of others around the world that watched the live broadcast.
“As a nation, we are proud of the Springboks’ advance to the semi-finals in a game that was an incredible athletic display as well as a metaphor for our country,” said President Ramaphosa.
“We are indeed stronger together when we come together in our diversity, and we create opportunities for people to live their passion, fulfil their potential, and display their talents.
“But we’re also together on days when we struggle and when we create the space for people to come back from difficulty and to continue the journey to victory with us.
“Out of the 20 nations in the World Cup, the Springboks delighted and inspired us whether they were on the field, on the bench, or in the coaches’ box.
“We wish the Springboks the very best as they prepare for what we hope will be another unforgettable victory next week.”
