France flanker Francois Cros said the 29-28 defeat to holders South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals was tough to take.

Les Bleus led with almost an hour played in Paris before Eben Etzebeth crashed over for a Springbok try and Handre Pollard kicked a penalty for the reigning champions at the Stade de France.

It dashed the hopes of the French crowd of success in the tournament as Fabien Galthie's team had lost just once at home since 2020.

"It's a cruel outcome," Cros said.

"I just can't find the words, it's a pity for us, for the squad, for the event, for the public which has been supporting us.

"It's very, very hard tonight," he added.

Captain Antoine Dupont made his return from a fractured cheekbone which he suffered on September 21 and he was at his influential best, especially in the first half an hour of the thrilling encounter.

"I think he is an amazing player. I think he has shown some courage over the last few weeks," France team manager Raphael Ibanez said.

"We knew he could play at that level and he is a true leader so it's promising.

"Tonight is so hard for French fans and the team but we will be back," he added.