The Springboks will take on France in a Nations Championship match at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday night. Kick-off is at 10.10pm South African time.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has kept most of the team that beat Italy 66-7 in Turin last weekend. IOL Sport said the world champions go into the match as favourites.
According to IOL Sport, South Africa have a settled combination with a lot of experience. The report said the side has the power to hurt France in several parts of the game.
France will be without a number of players because of injury. The missing players include important names in both their forward pack and their backline.
The home side still has danger men. Antoine Dupont will play at flyhalf, with Maxime Lucu at scrumhalf. IOL Sport said the pair will try to cause trouble on attack, and their kicking could push the Boks back.
Winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scores tries often, will look to use his pace to find space out wide.
Fullback Damian Willemse is expected to lead the Springbok back three. He will have to deal with the French kicks and their attacks from deep.
The scrum could decide a lot on the night. Tighthead prop Wilco Louw returns to the starting team at No 3.
France are known as a strong set-piece side. IOL Sport said that if the Boks win scrum penalties early, it could be a long evening for coach Fabien Galthié and his team.
The report also pointed to the strength of the South African bench. It said experienced players coming on in the second half could make a difference if the game becomes very physical.
The Springboks have a good recent record against France in Paris. They have won there several times in recent years and silenced the home crowd.
Even so, IOL Sport said the Boks will need to stay disciplined on defence for the full 80 minutes. Dupont is able to create chances out of very little.
A win is the first goal for South Africa in the Nations Championship standings. The team will also chase a bonus point, which needs four tries.
According to IOL Sport, that bonus point could help keep the Springboks ahead of the All Blacks on the log.
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.