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South Africa will battle France in the quarter final stage of the Rugby World Cup 2023 as the defending champions continue their quest to retain their title in France.

The Springboks finished second in Pool B after claiming three victories over Scotland, Romania and Tonga, but lost to Ireland. Scotland however failed to beat Ireland on Saturday, paving the way for South Africa to seal their spot among the last eight.

 France on their part topped Pool A, going undefeated after defeating New Zealand, Uruguay and Namibia and Italy.

The two sides will clash on October 15, a game South Africa scrum coach Daan Human said will demand complete focus from the three-time champions.

“It will be a battle, like all the other games are a battle. It’s a hurdle and if you want to get over the hurdle you must put in some hard yards and be successful and be good in all the departments,” said Human.

Besides South Africa’s game against France, the other clashes that have been lined up in the quarter final stage of the Rugby World Cup 2023 are; Wales v Argentina; Ireland v New Zealand; England v Fiji.

Wales will open the stage against Argentina at the Stade de Marseille on October 14, before Ireland’s game against the All Blacks at the Stade de France, Saint Denison, on the same day.

On October 15, England will take on Fiji at the Stade de Marseille, before the prior mentioned clash between the Springboks and the Les Bleus at the Stade de France, Saint Denis.