Overview
- Rassie Erasmus confirmed a reworked matchday 23 for Saturday at Stade de France, with Boan Venter starting for the injured Ox Nche and Damian Willemse returning at fullback.
- Kwagga Smith and Ethan Hooker were left out, with Erasmus citing a hand contusion for Smith and backing Andre Esterhuizen to provide hybrid cover from the bench.
- Erasmus said Siya Kolisi’s 100th cap and his own 50th Test in charge will not overshadow preparations, with any celebrations planned only after the game.
- The selection keeps faith with in-form combinations, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at No. 10 over Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard, and Thomas du Toit and Malcolm Marx anchoring the front row.
- French players have framed the fixture as a chance to respond to the Springboks’ one-point win in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final, while South Africa carry a clear experience edge in total caps.