There was joy and sadness inside the Stade de France on Sunday night after the Boks' win against France.
Pieter-Steph du Toit shows his delight after the Boks’ win against France. Picture: EPA-EFE / Yoan Valat
There was joy and happiness, and relief and pride after the Springboks had beaten hosts, France, 29-28 in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final match in Paris on Sunday night.
Here then are some of the best pictures, capturing the emotions of the players, coaches and fans after what has been described as one of the greatest and most intense rugby matches ever played.
Brothers in arms … scrumhalves Cobus Reinach and Faf de Klerk played their part in the thrilling win at the Stade de France. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesPure joy … Hooker Bongi Mbonambi was named man of the match in the epic encounter, and how happy he is in this image. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesTackle machine … Lock Franco Mostert with his kids after the so-called Battle of Paris. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesBackline stars Manie Libbok and Kurt-Lee Arendse on either side of fellow Bok squad member, Grant Williams. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesVeteran No 8 Duane Vermeulen shared in the joy with his two sons. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesPure happiness … Trevor Nyakane and his daughter share in the joy after the Boks’ win. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesWillie le Roux takes a photo with the fans while Jesse Kriel greets someone in the crowd. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesCaptain Siya Kolisi celebrates the win with his family in the Stade de France. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesAssistant coach Deon Davids, head coach Jacques Nienaber and scrum boss Daan Human enjoy the thrill of victory. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo ImagesFrench players lie broken and bruised on the field after defeat to the Boks. Picture: EPA-EFE/Yoan ValatSupporters of France look dejected after the loss to the Boks. Picture: EPA-EFE/Teresa SuarezFrance’s head coach Fabien Galthie (right) consoles wing Damian Penaud. Picture: EPA-EFE/Yoan ValatFrance’s Antoine Dupont (left) and Cameron Woki look dejected after defeat by the Springboks. Picture: EPA-EFE/Yoan Valat
