The Springboks will play France at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday evening, looking to extend a winning run at the venue. Kick-off is at 10.10pm South African time.
Rassie Erasmus and his team have won their last four matches at the stadium in Saint-Denis, according to IOL Sport. A win on Friday would put South Africa in a strong position in the first Nations Championship.
One of those four wins was the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France. South Africa won that match 29-28. The Springboks went on to defend their world title at that tournament.
Last year, the Boks also beat France 32-17 at the same ground. IOL Sport said that record could give the players extra belief before another big match.
France are expected to offer a much harder test. IOL Sport reported that the home side want to end their losing run against the world champions. They will play in front of a loud home crowd.
France have lost some players to injury. IOL Sport said they still have strong attacking players and plenty of physical power. They are also able to punish mistakes, especially when they find space out wide.
The report said the Springboks will need to defend with more discipline in Paris. They will also need to bring their usual intensity at the breakdown, in the scrums and in the lineouts.
South Africa go into the match after beating Italy 66-7 in Turin on Saturday. The Boks scored nine tries in that game. Several experienced players made a strong contribution, which showed the depth in the squad.
Siya Kolisi, Malcolm Marx and Damian de Allende are among the 2023 World Cup winners expected to lead the team again. IOL Sport said France are unlikely to give the Boks the same chances that Italy did.
The Springboks have won all four of their Nations Championship matches so far. They beat England, Scotland and Wales during the July internationals before the win over Italy.
Another victory would strengthen South Africa’s place at the top of the Southern Hemisphere standings. It would also move them closer to a good position for the competition’s Finals Weekend in London.
IOL Sport said the coaching staff will want to make sure the Italy win is not the best performance of their European tour. The team is also building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
After the France match, the Springboks will travel to Dublin to play Ireland on Saturday, 21 November.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.