This explosive encounter at the iconic Stade de France marks a momentous occasion for Captain Siya Kolisi, who will earn his historic 100th Springbok cap. Meanwhile, the keyword echoing from the French camp comes down to one thing - “revenge.”

After weeks of build-up and talk, all the noise ultimately boils down to a brutal, brilliant 80-minute battle between the four white lines. What both teams bring to this colossal contest, beyond their world-class rugby ability, is an undeniable, palpable passion. 

Springbok team to tackle France in Paris. Photo: SA Rugby

It’s a fiery spirit worn proudly on the sleeves of both the World Champions and Les Bleus. While the media storm churns around their opponents, Kolisi told OFM Sport that for the Boks, the narrative remains steadfast, to “do it for the country” and constantly evolve.

“Well, this one is different; there are different things behind it, but for us, it remains a Test match that we simply need to win,” Kolisi declared. “We must secure our status as world number one and lock in a strong pool position for the World Cup.

“We’ve seen what’s been said in the media; everyone looks for something to drive them, but our purpose is constant. It doesn’t change from game to game. 

“Our goal is always to win, but also, most importantly, to represent the people of South Africa,” he emphasised. “We play for each other, to represent our country, and to win. 

“We also want to keep giving Coach Rassie (Erasmus) a team that’s constantly transforming and building squads, and that hasn’t changed for us.”

Kolisi conceded that there will definitely be added spice this weekend between two colossal rugby nations, the Rugby Championship champions South Africa, taking on the Six Nations champions France.

Springboks vs. France in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Saint Denis. Photo: World Rugby

“We’ve seen what’s coming from the other camp, the hurt and everything, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to what happens on the field,” he noted. “This game is always massive, especially against a French team known for their big packs and laser focus on set pieces.

“If your scrum and lineout are dominant, that’s absolutely crucial. They have amazing backs - and so do we. We are very similar teams, with passionate people who genuinely love their rugby. 

“There are many parallels between our two countries, and I think that’s what it will come down to. Physicality will be key, and it’s going to be essential to win the breakdown and all those gritty aspects to make the difference.”

Saturday’s Test at the Stade de France kicks off at 22:10.

France - 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Gaël Fickou (captain), 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Mickaël Guillard, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Régis Montagne, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Baptiste Erdocio

Replacements - 16 Guillaume Cramont, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifénua, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Nicolas Depoortere

Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter

Replacements - 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ruan Nortje, 21 André Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh