France Braces for Toughest Challenge Against Springboks

The Stade de France, French rugby's national fortress, will host a crucial match between France and South Africa. The Springboks have historically performed well in Paris, winning nine of their last 10 Tests against France, including their last four at the Stade de France. Their most recent victory was a 32-17 win last year, despite playing with 14 men for 30 minutes. This impressive record has made France coach Fabien Galthié acknowledge the challenge ahead.

France, the reigning Six Nations champions, have shown their strength and depth in recent matches. They thrashed Australia 42-26 in July's Nations Championship and had 11 survivors from that match-day squad in their selection against Fiji last Saturday. The return of scrumhalf and captain Antoine Dupont, who missed last year's match against the Springboks due to injury, is a significant boost to the French team. Dupont's influence on the team is expected to be crucial in the match.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has consistently praised France's quality, acknowledging their size, special playmakers, and physicality. He noted that playing at the Stade de France is always special for the Springboks, who feed off the energy of the crowd. Erasmus selected his strongest available 23 for their recent 66-7 victory against Italy and is unlikely to make significant changes for the Paris match. The team's pack and aerial kicking game are expected to be key factors in the match.

Galthié has also expressed admiration for the Springboks, describing them as "perhaps the best team ever in the sport" last year. He praised their pack, aerial kicking game, and power, which have been developed further since their World Cup victory. The French team's depth was evident in their selection against Fiji, with only seven survivors from last year's defeat against the Springboks. This significant change in personnel is expected to impact the match.

For Springbok scrum coach Daan Human, the match against France holds particular significance. Human, who played for the Springboks in 2002 and later joined Toulouse, has often spoken about the importance of learning to scrum in France. He retains a strong affection for Toulouse, French rugby's passion, and the country's appreciation of the set piece. This mutual respect between the coaching staff and playing groups is expected to make the match intense.

Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi have emphasized that South Africa's dominance in Paris belies how close the matches have been. They acknowledge that France is a very good side with an exceptional coach in Galthié. The Springboks' victory last year was a testament to their strength and resilience. Galthié's admiration for the Springboks has only grown, particularly after their exceptional performance against the All Blacks.

The match between France and South Africa promises to be an intense and closely contested encounter. Both teams have shown their strength and depth in recent matches, and the historical record favors the Springboks. However, France's recent form and the return of Dupont make them a formidable opponent. The Stade de France will provide an electric atmosphere for the match, which is expected to be a true test of both teams' abilities.

Key points

• The Springboks have won nine of their last 10 Tests against France, including their last four at the Stade de France.
• France's depth was evident in their selection against Fiji, with only seven survivors from last year's defeat against the Springboks.
• Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has consistently praised France's quality, acknowledging their size, special playmakers, and physicality.