The Springboks face a major test of their world dominance when they take on France in a highly anticipated Nations Championship encounter in Paris on Friday night.
Rassie Erasmus’ men head into the showdown as the world’s top-ranked rugby nation, but their position could come under threat if Antoine Dupont and his French teammates produce a major upset.
South Africa currently lead the World Rugby rankings with 93.09 points, just 0.44 ahead of second-placed New Zealand. France occupy fourth position with 87.49 points.
Kick-off is scheduled for 22:10 South African time, with the Springboks looking to extend their impressive record against Les Bleus.
France Face Difficult Challenge Against the Springboks
France captain Antoine Dupont acknowledges that his team will need an exceptional performance to overcome South Africa.
Les Bleus have lost nine of their last 10 encounters against the Springboks, a record that highlights the challenge facing Fabien Galthie’s side.
Their most recent defeat came at the Stade de France last year, when South Africa secured a convincing 32-17 victory despite playing the entire second half with 14 players following Lood de Jager’s red card.
Dupont has featured in five defeats across six appearances against the Springboks, including France’s heartbreaking quarter-final elimination at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s encounter, the French captain praised South Africa’s physical strength and tactical organisation.
He believes the Springboks have developed an effective approach built around powerful forwards, physical dominance and a clear game plan.
However, Dupont remains convinced that France can cause problems if they execute their attacking strategy effectively.
Antoine Dupont Faces Unusual Flyhalf Assignment
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is Dupont’s selection at flyhalf.
The French captain will wear the No 10 jersey for the first time in his 66th international appearance, with injuries affecting France’s available options at flyhalf.
He will partner Maxime Lucu, who normally operates as a scrumhalf, in an unusual halfback combination.
Dupont admitted that the pair had limited preparation time together, with only one training session available to work on their partnership.
Despite the challenges, he believes their versatility could help France adapt to the situation.
The French captain also understands that South Africa’s defensive pressure will leave very little time and space for attacking opportunities.
He believes France must first match the Springboks physically, win the collisions and take advantage of the limited opportunities that come their way.
Springboks Could Lose World No 1 Position
South Africa’s position at the top of the World Rugby rankings adds another layer of importance to Friday’s encounter.
The Springboks currently have a narrow advantage over New Zealand, meaning the result against France could significantly influence the rankings.
Here is how the possible outcomes could affect the standings:
| Match result | Springboks ranking points | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| France win by 15 points or fewer | -1.56 | South Africa drop to second |
| France win by 16 points or more | -2.34 | South Africa drop to second |
| Match ends in a draw | -0.56 | South Africa drop to second |
| Springboks win by 15 points or fewer | +0.44 | Remain No 1 |
| Springboks win by 16 points or more | +0.66 | Extend their lead |
France could move up to third place with a victory, regardless of the winning margin, while a draw would leave them fourth.
For Erasmus and his players, the objective is straightforward: win in Paris and protect South Africa’s position as the world’s leading rugby nation.
France vs Springboks: Confirmed Matchday Teams
Both coaches have named their starting line-ups for the encounter.
TOPSHOT-RUGBYU-WC-2023-MATCH18-FRA-NAM
France
Home team
Starting XV
15 Théo Attissogbe, 14 Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, 13 Kalvin Gourgues, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Antoine Dupont (captain), 9 Maxime Lucu, 8 Grégory Alldritt, 7 Cameron Woki, 6 François Cros, 5 Mickaël Guillard, 4 Florian Verhaeghe, 3 Sipili Falatea, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros.
Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Rodrigue Neti, Régis Montagne, Charles Ollivon, Tom Staniforth, Esteban Capilla, Axel Desperes and Émilien Gailleton.
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South Africa
Away team
Starting XV
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Franco Mostert, Cameron Hanekom, Paul de Villiers, Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok.
Match officials:
- Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
- Assistant referees: Christophe Ridley (England) and Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
- TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
Springboks Backed to Win in Paris
Despite France enjoying home advantage, South Africa will enter the contest with confidence following their recent dominance over Les Bleus.
The Springboks possess the physical strength, forward depth and tactical experience required to handle the French challenge.
However, Dupont’s ability to create opportunities and France’s dangerous attacking players mean Erasmus’ side cannot afford to become complacent.
The original match prediction favours South Africa to win by eight points.
A victory would not only strengthen their position at the top of the world rankings but also reinforce their status as the team to beat in international rugby.
Can the Springboks silence the Paris crowd and protect their World Rugby No 1 ranking?
