Overview
- Erasmus named a settled matchday 23 on Monday, making only two changes — Wilco Louw promoted to start at tighthead and Cobus Reinach brought onto the bench — as South Africa prepare for Friday’s Test in Paris.
- Veteran lock Eben Etzebeth was recalled to the touring squad and joined the group in France but was not rushed into selection so he can regain match rhythm after a layoff.
- Uncapped flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed returned to South Africa with a shoulder niggle and is unavailable for the Paris Test, prompting the Etzebeth call-up and adjustments to cover options.
- France suffered a major setback when coach Fabien Galthié confirmed Romain Ntamack will miss the rest of the competition, forcing Les Bleus to reshuffle playmaking duties and altering tactical matchups.
- Erasmus said continuity reflects deliberate minutes management — notably for Japan-based players who saw limited time against Italy — and signals a game plan focused on set-piece power to build momentum ahead of the Dublin Test and the Finals Weekend.