One of the most highly anticipated encounters of the last two years is finally here as France host the world champion Springboks at the Stade de France.
Just over two years ago, South Africa crushed France’s dream of hoisting the William Webb Ellis Cup on home soil, clinching a clutch 29-28 victory.
This sets up a mouth-watering epic at the same rugby cathedral as France are out for revenge, while the Springboks will be eager to prove that 2023 was no fluke and continue their domination at the Stade de France, a ground where they boast a 10/13 winning record.
Further spice is sprinkled into the fixture, not that it needed it, as it sees the best of the north host the best of the south as the Six Nations and Rugby Championship holders collide.
A blockbuster of epic proportions would be underselling this. If it’s anything close to what we saw 25 months ago, it will be an all-time classic.
Where the game will be won
Much has changed since these two sides faced off, with France head coach Fabien Galthie issuing countless new caps, his counterpart Rassie Erasmus too. In fact, just nine of the 23 feature again for France, while that number is 11 for the men in Green and Gold.
One of the big absentees for Les Bleus is captain Antoine Dupont, one of the best players in the world, while the same is true for the Springboks with powerhouse prop Ox Nche also sidelined.
The pair are both crucial to their respective teams’ causes, with Dupont central to France’s kicking and attacking game while Nche is the wrecking ball that has demolished almost every international forward pack that has crossed his path. However, both teams have able, though admittedly less glamorous, replacements that can get the job done.
Just a point separated the two teams last time they met, and we can expect much the same this time around, with this match bound to be decided by the smallest of margins.
South Africa found that margin in the air, at the breakdown, and in the scrum last time around and even in doing so, still only won by a single point.
The stats heading into the encounter suggest that we are set for another nail-biter as France have won the most turnovers per game of any Tier 1 side in 2025 (6.9), while South Africa have conceded the most turnovers per game (17.3) and rank second from bottom for average turnovers won (4.4)
As for the lineout, Les Bleus boast the highest success rate (95%) this year while the Boks possess the lowest (85%). However, Erasmus’ men have stolen an average of two opposition throws per game, the joint-most of any nation with Japan.
Quite simply, there isn’t one area of the game where it will be won or lost; rather, like South Africa did in 2023, it will be the slightest of edges in multiple areas paired with winning the big moments – even then, it might not be enough.