Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says the team knows exactly what is needed to gain the upper hand Friday evening in Paris when the Springboks take on France in the Nations Championship at the Stade de France.
Kolisi and the Springboks' assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, expressed great respect for the French team on Thursday during their final media conference before the test. They expect an extremely physical contest, particularly with the surprising inclusion of Antoine Dupont at fly-half.
Kolisi on France: Dupont at fly-half
Dupont, who normally plays scrum-half, has been shifted to the number 10 position following a series of injuries in the French squad. He will form the halfback pairing with Maxime Lucu.
According to Kolisi, however, this shift changes nothing about the Springboks' defensive plan.
"Our system does not change depending on who we are playing. We have looked at how he plays at fly-half and we have not prepared anything special for him simply because he is wearing the number 10 jersey," Kolisi said.
Stick warned that Dupont and Lucu will likely swap positions regularly during the match.
He believes France will give Dupont the freedom to move between scrum-half and fly-half, while Lucu's tactical kicking and game management pose a further threat.
"If we give that halfback pairing time and space with the ball, they can punish us. Our main focus is to make sure that does not happen," Stick said.
The French back line also has dangerous attacking players like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who according to Stick can thoroughly test the Springboks' defence.
Battle among the forwards
Stick believes the battle between the two teams' forwards will ultimately lay the foundation for the match.
"Both packs want to build momentum and dominate. This will create the platform for the backs. If we get quick ball, we also have the players to punish France."
World Cup victory is history
Kolisi meanwhile dismissed any talk that South Africa's dramatic one-point victory over France in the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 gives the Springboks a psychological advantage.
"What happened back then is history. We have changed the group and also adapted certain things in our playing style. This is a new match and a new opportunity," he said.
He acknowledged, however, that the Springboks are aware of how motivated the French will be after that defeat.
Kolisi is also looking forward to the special atmosphere at the Stade de France, where French supporters are known for their passion.
"The atmosphere is incredible, with the national anthems and the whole setup. But as soon as you step onto the field, it all disappears. Then it is just you and the player across from you."
According to Kolisi, the physical contest, set pieces and ability to get over the gain line will be decisive.
"We know how proud the French are of their set pieces and physical play, but we are just as proud of it. We know exactly what is expected of us and what our standards are."
The match between South Africa and France kicks off Friday evening at 22:10 South African time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Also read: Erasmus sticks with proven Boks for showdown against France
Source: SA Rugby, 12 November 2026.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
