Rassie Erasmus has named his Springboks side to face France. Only the most eagle-eyed conspiracy theorists would have noticed a key detail.
The Springboks meet France in Paris on Saturday, 8 November, in a rematch of their epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
Here’s all of the team news.
Springboks face a powerful side to meet France
Skipper Siya Kolisi will earn his 100th cap in the Green & Gold against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday. There’s also a milestone for coach Rassie Erasmus in his 50th test as head coach of South Africa. Were there some mind games from Rassie when briefing the graphics team to design their social media collateral? Why’s number 8 Jasper Wiese on the same line as the backline players?
*This is obviously a joke, but if someone told you that this was a tactic to get into France’s heads, you’d believe them, right?
Kickoff between France and the Springboks on Saturday, 9 November in Paris is at 22:10 SA time.
Jesse Kriel has come a long way
For a long time, Jesse Kriel had been criticised for his performances in a Springbok jersey. The Canon Eagles centre took his opportunity in 2023 when Lukhanyo Am was injured, and he’s never looked back, becoming one of the unsung Springbok heroes and captaining the side in 2025.
Springboks’ record in France is stellar
South Africa has won 14 from 15 Rugby World Cup matches in France, spanning showpieces in 1999, 2007 and 2023. The Boks have played at Paris’ Stade de France 13 times, winning 10 of those. The only match the Springboks have lost at France’s national stadium was against Ireland in the Pool stages of the 2023 World Cup.
