Overview
- Kickoff at the Stade de France is scheduled for 22:10 South Africa time, with live coverage on DStv’s Grandstand and SS Rugby channels during Open Time.
- This is the first meeting since South Africa’s 29–28 quarter-final win at the same venue in 2023, where the Springboks have won 10 of 13 Tests overall.
- Both camps anticipate a bruising forward battle, with Lood de Jager highlighting France’s maul, scrum and lineout threats and Jasper Wiese warning of a highly physical pack.
- South Africa arrive from a nine-try statement victory over Japan in London as Rassie Erasmus prepares to name his matchday 23 on Thursday.
- The Springboks point to subtle attacking tweaks under Tony Brown and growing flyhalf depth around Manie Libbok, while France welcome leading players back, including fit-again Romain Ntamack.