Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed his line-up to take on France (Saturday 8 November, 9.10pm). An announcement marked by the 100th cap of emblematic captain Siya Kolisi and the choice to field a side almost identical to the one that beat France in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.

Bad memories are about to come flooding back for the French public and for France. For this date in Paris, South Africa are trusting a tried and tested framework, made up of ten of the fifteen starters who beat France in October 2023 (29-28), no less. All eyes will inevitably be on Siya Kolisi. By reaching the hundred-cap mark, the historic captain and symbol of the rainbow nation joins a very select circle of South African rugby legends, cementing his unique status a little further. But beyond the two-time world champion captain, it is the whole South African line-up that is enough to make you go pale.

Unsurprisingly, all the South African stars are there, such as Malcom Marx at hooker, Eben Etzebeth, another centurion, at lock, and Pieter-Steph Du Toit, world player of the year in 2023. The “Sudafs” will, however, be without Ox Nche, who injured a leg in the match against Japan last week. Behind, it is the usual: Cheslin Kolbe, De Allende, Kriel and company will all be there. As will the young prodigy and revelation of the last Rugby Championship, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Another small surprise is the bench, with “only” five forwards and three backs, in order to “adapt to the style of play France offer“, Rassie Erasmus explained. Heavy artillery all the same to take on France, in the arena where they were crowned in 2023.

The South Africa line-up against France:

The starting XV : 15.Willemse ; 14. Kolbe ; 13. Kriel ; 12. De Allende ; 11. Arendse ; 10. Feinberg-Mngomezulu ; 9. Reinach ; 8. Wiese ; 7. P.S. Du Toit ; 6. Kolisi (capt.) ; 5. De Jager ; 4. Etzebeth ; 3. T. Du Toit ; 2. Marx ; 1. Venter.

Replacements: 16. Grobbelaar ; 17. Steemekamp ; 18. Louw ; 19. Snyman ; 20. Nortje ; 21. Esterhuizen ; 22. G. Williams ; 23. Libbok.