PARIS: Rayan Rebbadj scored two tries as France came from behind to overwhelm South Africa 19-5 in a deafening Stade de France on Saturday and reach the Olympic men's rugby sevens final for the first time.
Despite the huge home support, France were unable to make their possessional dominance pay during a tense, scoreless first half.
The volume was notched up even higher a minute into the second half with the introduction of Antoine Dupont, but it was South Africa who struck first with a Tristan Leyds try.
France hit back when a great break by Varian Pasquet set up Rebbadj to score under the posts and he converted his own score for a 7-5 lead.
He then scored and converted his second try and Jordan Sepho picked up a loose ball to dive over for a third, the last play as France were guaranteed their first sevens medal.
Double defending champions Fiji face Australia in the second semi-final later on Saturday.-- Reuters