Last week the Springboks didn’t have a recognised goalkicker in their team and this certainly cost the team during their 19-16 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

This week against the French it could go down to the wire again, and a reliable kicker can be the difference between winning and losing.

The Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber, said that the kickers in the squad take their job seriously and the winger, Cheslin Kolbe, will be entrusted with the kicking tee.

“Cheslin has kicked for Toulouse when Romain Ntamack was injured and on French duty and he kicked well for them,” said Nienaber when asked about the kicking duties on Saturday.

“It's not something Cheslin needs to get used to, but something Damian needs to get used to, and the only way for him to do so is by doing so in matches.

“We all play golf and if you putt a five-footer on your own on the green, it's easy, but if you have to do so in front of 40 000 people with money to win, you don't even feel the golf club.

“That's what pressure does to you. It's an ugly thing and when you're kicking for your country, you will get better, and Damian will get better.

“Manie and Damian are relishing the challenge and they should because it's nice”

Saturday’s Test between France and the Springboks at Stade Velodrome kicks off at 22:00.

France - TBA

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché.

Replacements - 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Makazole Mapimpi.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport