ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

France vs South Africa Preview: Another coin flip quarterfinal clash

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Sunday Oct 15, 2023

Reigning Rugby World Cup champions South Africa will square off with tournament hosts France in what has the makings of an explosive quarterfinal match-up.

ADVERTISEMENT

On paper, these are the two most physical teams in the competition, with each team possessing dominant packs and physical ball-carrying centres.

Yet, despite their clear strengths lying in the physical departments, both sides have game-breakers across the park. These star players are capable of turning a fixture with a moment of brilliance.

Headlining the threats across both sides is returning French captain Antoine Dupont, who had surgery on a broken cheekbone just twenty days ago.

When fit, Dupont is arguably the best player in the world. Seemingly always in the right place at the right time, the scrumhalf is the cog that makes the French attack click.

Words From The Camps

Speaking ahead of his return, Dupont clearly understood how resilient his team will need to be if they hope to end the Springboks reign.

“In these matches, there is always pain, physical or mental. We have to be ready to suffer. If we’re not ready for this, we won’t go where we want to go,” Dupont said.

“It [the injury] shows that I’ve gained experience and that I know how to adapt to the opponent and to what’s in front of me.

ADVERTISEMENT

“If there’s less space in front of me, it’s because there’s more elsewhere. We have to adapt to what’s on offer and look for space wherever we can find it.”

On the other side, Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones looked back on the last time the two sides as an indicator of what will be in store this evening.

“Both teams learnt a lot. It was an incredible match, the atmosphere was unbelievable,” Jones said.

“The physicality levels were incredible. Both teams really played well on the night, and at the end of it, it was one score that divided the teams.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I am sure both teams will come up with plans to do something slightly different or do again whatever was effective in that game and vice-versa, the other team trying to counteract that. It’s going to be really interesting.”

Key Match-Up

There are several intriguing head-to-heads across the board but one area that stands above the rest is the battle of the number eights.

This head-to-head pits an all-time great in Duane Vermeulen against a man who, if he hasn’t already, will be joining him atop the mountain in Gregory Alldritt.

Having captained his club La Rochelle to consecutive Heineken Champions Cup titles over the past two years, the 26-year-old Alldritt is a key leader in the French pack. At 6’4″ and 115kg, Alldritt’s power in the carry has proven to be a crucial platform setter for the potent French attack.

On the other hand, Vermeulen is not quite as dynamic as he once was, which is hardly surprising given he is now 37 years old. However, what the veteran lacks in zip, he makes up for in smarts, in particular around the ruck, where he is an absolute menace. At the line-out, he remains a favourite option for the Bok throwers as a safety net jumper.

Prediction

As was the case with last night’s quarterfinal at the Stade de France, this fixture is very much a coin flip. Yesterday’s clash was rarely separated by much, and this evening should be no different.

One factor that will be significant is the home crowd, who will certainly outnumber the visitors significantly.

Notoriously vocal, the French fans are far and away the most patient in the international game and will ensure there is a cauldron-like atmosphere. Any Springbok mistake or referee decision that goes against them, and the boos, hisses, and cheers will rain down.

On the playing front, Dupont’s return cannot be overemphasized, as his presence alone takes the French up a notch. Key to this is of course, whether he is close to fully fit, which will be something the Springbok pack will likely test from the first minute.

Making a case for the visitors, the fact that they have been there and done that, is a real feather in their cap. Doing it in an unorthodox manner back in 2019, having lost their opening pool match. The Boks will simply not be feeling the same level of pressure as their hosts, who have the weight of an eight-year build-up on their shoulders.

In what will be a tense occasion, the French fairytale will continue albeit narrowly and will set them on the path for a likely re-match with the All Blacks in the final. A final, they will be more confident of winning than this evening’s match. France by 6.

Team Line-Ups

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Thibaud Flmanet, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana

South Africa:15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux

Date: Sunday, October
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Kick-off: 21:00 local (20:00 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

Related Articles

  • 43 WEEKS AGO

    'A really poor imitation' - Shane Horgan...

  • 45 WEEKS AGO

    Top referee calls time on career following...

  • 49 WEEKS AGO

    2023 Men's Rugby World XV of the Year - The...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All