The Boks return to the scene where they lifted the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy, just over two years after that glorious day. But that is a distant memory as the focus is now on the rankings for the upcoming draw for the next global showpiece that will be contested in Australia two years from now.

There is also the matter that the French will no doubt be fired up, as the Springboks did beat them 29-28 in Saint-Denis during the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They, as well as many others, felt they were robbed on the night when they were knocked out of their home tournament.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between France and the Springboks. Photo: World Rugby

France versus the Springboks, and vice versa, is always a cracking affair, and more of the same is certainly expected this weekend when these two giants of the game clash – a fixture that doesn’t get played as often as it should.

It will be the 47th time that these two teams go head-to-head, with South Africa leading with 28 wins, France having won 12 times, and six Tests ending in a draw. 

Of the 22 Tests played in France, the Springboks have won 15 times, France six, and there has also been one draw.

Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones emphasised that the World Cup final is now a distant memory and downplayed suggestions that the Test this weekend will be bigger than any other.

“I wouldn't say any single Test match is bigger than another one – there have been some big games for us this year in that we've played against New Zealand,” said Jones.

“We've lost a Test match against Australia at home. We also have Italy after this game, Ireland, and Wales later in this series as well. For us, every Test match is massive.

Felix Jones. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Every time we’re representing South Africa, it’s huge. But I can understand the extra attention that perhaps this match gets because of the quarter-final in 2023, just like Ireland and New Zealand had quite a special match in 2023, and played on the weekend.

“I can understand the extra attention.”

While the French have already stated that the 2023 quarter-final still lingers in the back of their minds, Jones added that they aren’t reading too much into it and will just focus on their own game and processes.

Damian de Allende on the charge against France. Photo: World Rugby

“I don’t know, that’s my honest answer,” said Jones when asked about the motivation in the Les Bleus camp.

“I don’t know how they’re talking about it in their camp. I think obviously it would be hard to deny that I’m sure there are some regrets from that match that they would like to put right, so I’m not sure how they’re shaping.”

Meanwhile, the Springboks will announce their team for the Test on Thursday afternoon, and it is expected that Rassie Erasmus will go with a team as strong and experienced as possible.

Saturday’s Test between France and the Springboks at Stade de France will kick off at 22:10.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs