When the Springboks take against Les Bleus at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday, they will be subjected to a rigorous evaluation of their qualifications for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
The Springboks secured a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will play host country and second-ranked Test team, France, in a last-eight matchup.
SOUTH AFRICA V FRANCE IN LAST QUARTER-FINAL
In contrast to the Springboks, who dropped one of their group matches (against Ireland), France advanced to the knockout round unblemished and is the favorite to win the Rugby World Cup on their own turf.
Because France currently seems to have no obvious flaws in their game, the quarterfinal Test will likely be the Springboks’ most difficult match of the season. Les Bleus are strong in every aspect of the game, as their No. 2 rating would imply, and their playing style is equally brutal and elegant.
SPRINGBOKS WARY OF FRENCH FORWARD PROWESS
Trevor Nyakane, a prop, identified France’s scrum as the biggest threat to the Springboks in his remarks prior to the quarterfinal.
It’s a crucial element of the game in France and the Top 14 competition, according to Nyakane. “They gave that aspect of the game a lot of attention. If you do it correctly, it’s lovely and provides you a mental lift.
“France will undoubtedly have a challenging set piece to move, but we also take pride in our set pieces and dominance as a result of them. We have been putting a lot of effort into our set pieces, and there is still plenty to accomplish, but we welcome the challenge.
The 34-year-old seasoned player was overjoyed to be a part of the 33-man team and have a shot at defending the crown the Springboks won in Japan in 2019.
“I’m thrilled to be here and am looking forward to the upcoming rugby matches,” I said. We’ve been putting in as much effort as we can to accomplish our objectives, and hopefully we can keep doing so,” added Nyakane, who plays club rugby with Paris-based Racing-92 of France.
