Overview
- Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus confirmed a largely settled matchday 23 for Nov. 1, handing 21-year-old tighthead Zachary Porthen a first Test start and debut.
- Cheslin Kolbe shifts from wing to fullback, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu start at halfback, and Kurt‑Lee Arendse returns on the wing after injury.
- Erasmus said several Japan-based Springboks were selected to leverage their League One experience, calling it a useful insight for preparations.
- Japan travel after a narrow 19-15 loss to Australia and have named a 38-player touring squad under Eddie Jones led by veteran Michael Leitch.
- Erasmus signaled rotation across the tour and said the Paris lineup could look markedly different, with players such as Pieter‑Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth in contention to come in.