If South Africa loses against France in a Rugby World Cup match, they will be knocked out of the tournament. In the quarterfinals, if the scores are level at full-time, there will be a five-minute break before the game commences with two halves of 10 minutes. Whoever is ahead on the scoreboard at the end of the 20 minutes will progress to the semi-finals. If its still level after extra time, there will be another five-minute break before the game resumes. This will be one period of rugby lasting just 10 minutes. Whoever scores first during this 10 minutes of play, be it a try, penalty, or a drop goal, will win the game. If neither side can break the deadlock after 10 minutes, a place in the semi-final will be decided by a place-kicking competition.

As for the specific match between France and South Africa on October 15, 2023, South Africa won 29-28 in a thrilling quarterfinal match-up at the Stade de France.