The Springboks welcome the challenge that lies ahead on Sunday when they tackle France in Paris in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.

The French are set to receive a welcome boost for the Test with their captain and talisman scrumhalf, Antoine Dupont, expected to return to action after fracturing his cheekbone three weeks ago against Namibia.

Faf de Klerk is expected to be Dupont’s direct opposition this week and it will be a good battle between the two nippy scrumhalves.

The Bloemfontein born-and-bred Cobus Reinach, who could feature of the bench this weekend and plays his rugby in France, said Dupont will give the French a boost and he certainly is a special player.

“World Player of the Year - if you have that title you are a special player and he has proven it playing for Toulouse and for the French team.

“Every game he plays is like some highlights reel of a magic moment - a cross-kick or a pass or putting someone over the try line.

“He is an unbelievable player. We haven't spoken a lot about whether he is going to play or not. We are just focusing on making sure our systems and plans work.”

The Springboks will name their team for the quarter-final on Friday morning at 9:00.

Sunday’s quarter-final at a sold out Stade de France will kick-off at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport