Overview
- Erasmus named the matchday 23 on Monday and made only two changes, with Wilco Louw promoted to start at tighthead and Cobus Reinach added to the bench.
- Veteran lock Eben Etzebeth rejoined the squad in France on Monday but was withheld from selection to regain match fitness, while Salmaan Moerat remains an uncertain option after withdrawing with back spasms in the Italy warm-up.
- France confirmed flyhalf Romain Ntamack is ruled out of the Nations Championship with a shoulder injury, leaving Les Bleus light at 10 for Friday’s Test.
- The selection reflects a clear emphasis on scrum and lineout dominance, with Erasmus keeping a six-forwards, two-backs bench split and citing limited minutes for Japan-based players as a reason to avoid wider rotation.
- South Africa’s 66-7 win over Italy gave the team momentum, but Erasmus has urged a stronger, full 80-minute display because pool standings and points differential will shape paths to the finals weekend at Twickenham.