The scores were tied at 0-0 at the break but France, spurred on by a full house at the iconic stadium, scored three consecutive tries after the Blitzboks took a 5-0 lead early in the second half.

It was a helter skelter first half, with both teams battling the rain that came pelting down, and some nervous and determined defence. France came close twice and the Blitzboks once, but on each occasion defence ruled.

Not so at the start of the second half though when Tristan Leyds scored after some good recycling by his Blitzbok team mates.

France, who introduced local hero Antoine Dupont on the field just before the try, then managed three tries, two from mistakes by the South Africans, to book their spot in the final, where they will face two-time Olympic gold medallists, Fiji.

South Africa will play Australia for the bronze medal at 19h00 on Saturday. 

Scorers:

SA 5 (0) - Try: Tristan Leyds.

France 19 (0) - Tries: Rayan Rebbadj (2), Jordan Sepho. Conversions: Rebbadj (2).