International Rugby: France vs South Africa – kick off 22.10 SAST
A repeat of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter final sees world champions South Africa on a collision course with France in their own back yard on Saturday night.
The Springboks saw off the challenge of Les Bleus at the same Stade de France venue in Paris two years ago and are desperate to lay down a Northern Hemisphere marker less than two years out from the next global showpiece.
It’s a first outing for the French since their whitewash in New Zealand back in July, while the Boks are fresh from their 61-7 demolition of Japan in London last Saturday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus makes five starting changes to the side that saw off the Brave Blossoms, on the occasion of captain Siya Kolisi’s 100th cap in the famous green and gold.
Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian Willemse headling the imposing set of returnees, with props Thomas du Toit and Boan Venter also included from the off.
Cheslin Kolbe switches back to the wing to accommodate Willemse at full back, with Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel providing a mountain of experience in the midfield.
It also marks a 50th cap in charge for the unique Erasmus, who has the luxury of dropping RG Snyman to the bench, as Kwagga Smith misses out with injury.
Gael Fickou captains Les Bleus on their first outing of the Autumn internationals, with plenty more firepower besides in the backline thanks to the likes of Romain Ntamack, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damien Penaud.
Julien Marchand marshals the front row in the hooking jersey, with Baptiste Erdocio and Regis Montagne on either shoulder.
France Starting XV: 15 Tomas Ramos, 14 Damien Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Gaël Fickou, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Nolann le Garrec, 8 Mickaël Guillard, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Régis Montagne, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Baptiste Erdocio.
Replacements: 16 Guillaume Cramont, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Nicolas Depoortère.
South Africa Starting XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ruan Nortje, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.
World Rugby Rankings Permutations: South Africa vs France
Current rankings:
South Africa: 1st (92.20 points)
France: 5th (87.82 points)
If South Africa win
By 15 points or fewer
South Africa: 93.06
France: 86.95
South Africa stay top.
France remain 5th unless England lose and France gain more than 0.02 points than England.
By more than 15 points
South Africa: 93.49
France: 86.52
South Africa extend their lead at the top.
France remain 5th.
If the match is drawn
South Africa: 92.06
France: 87.95
South Africa stay top.
France may climb to 4th if England fail to gain more than 0.13 points against Fiji.
If France win
By 15 points or fewer
South Africa: 91.06
France: 88.95
South Africa drop to 2nd if New Zealand beat Scotland.
France move up to 3rd, overtaking England and Ireland.
By more than 15 points
South Africa: 90.49
France: 89.52
South Africa likely fall to 2nd or 3rd depending on New Zealand’s result.
France climb to 2nd if New Zealand lose.
In short:
- South Africa stay top with a win or draw.
- A loss opens the door for New Zealand to reclaim number one.
- France can climb as high as 2nd with a big win and a New Zealand defeat.
- England’s match against Fiji has minimal ranking impact due to the small rating differential.