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STORY: A scintillating first half gave way to a brutal street fight and the Springboks' experience made the difference against a French team playing their first knockout game since coach Fabien Galthie took over four years ago.

South Africa, who will meet England for a place in the final, prevailed thanks to tries by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth and the kicks of Mannie Libbock and Handre Pollard.

France captain Antoine Dupont returned from cheekbone surgery, but the mercurial scrumhalf ran out of steam and ideas as Les Bleus could only score through tries by Cyril Baille (2) and Peato Mauvaka, Thomas Ramos adding 13 points from the tee.

The result marked a brutal blow for France's new generation, who came into the tournament with the self-belief to claim a first World Cup title.

Les Bleus, however, suffered only their second home defeat in 26 home tests under Galthie, and this one will hurt forever.