France beat New Zealand to reach World Cup final

New Zealand's hopes of a third successive Rugby World Cup title were ended by France in Cardiff

The French will now face South Africa in the final on Saturday in Yokohama after a 24-19 semi-final victory

France ended New Zealand's hopes of a third successive Rugby World Cup title as they edged out the All Blacks 24-19 in a pulsating semi-final in Cardiff.

In front of a sell-out crowd at the Principality Stadium, France took an early lead through a try from wing Damian Penaud, but the All Blacks hit back with a try of their own from hooker Codie Taylor.

Romain Ntamack kicked two penalties to give France a 13-7 lead at half-time, and they extended their advantage early in the second half when scrum-half Antoine Dupont scored their second try.

New Zealand, who played the majority of the match with 14 men after lock Vaea Fifita was sent off for a dangerous tackle, responded with a try from wing Rieko Ioane, but they were unable to find a way through the French defence in the closing stages.

The victory was France's first over New Zealand in a World Cup match since 2003, and it sets up a mouth-watering final against South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday.