"I knew from the final whistle but I just wanted to give it a bit of time to settle down, talk to my people and then make it clear," Cheika said in video footage released by Rugby Australia.
France, 19-10 ahead at half-time, had Sebastien Vahaamahina sent off for an elbow on 49 minutes but they clung to the lead until Ross Moriarty powered over for the vital try late in the game.
The Springboks went into the clash off the back of a 66-7 win over Canada in their final pool match.
Both teams started on a high, even though the match kicked off 15 minutes later.
Sharma, on 117, combined with Ajinkya Rahane, on 83, to put on an unbeaten 185-run stand after the hosts were wobbling at 39-3 following their decision to bat first in Ranchi.
Cape Town is currently hosting Africa Netball Cup and Molokwane says the city is more than ready to host 2023 Netball World Cup.
Up next for the 32-year-old is Guido Pella or Ugo Humbert who were in action in the other quarter-final.
England outscored their old rivals four tries to one and had 20 points from Owen Farrell's perfect kicking as they set up a last-four clash with New Zealand or Ireland, who play later.
The hosts secured 69-39 victory in over its neighbours.
New Zealand thrash Ireland 46-14 to set up England semi-final.
