France and South Africa collide in a mammoth meeting of rugby heavyweights in Paris.
The two sides return to the scene of their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final classic for a first meeting since the tournament that pits the Six Nations champions against the winners of the Rugby Championship.
The Springboks ejected France from their home tournament two years ago en route to a second successive success and have since rebuilt impressively.
But the hosts will be out for a measure of revenge in a mouthwatering encounter between perhaps the two finest teams in the world. France hand starts to inexperienced props Baptiste Erdocio and Regis Montagne, who made their debuts on the summer tour of New Zealand. Gael Fickou continues as captain in the absence of the injured Antoine Dupont while Mickael Guillard, a breakthrough star of 2025, is preferred to Gregory Alldritt at No 8.
Replacement hooker Guillaume Cramont is primed for a debut from a bench that includes six forwards.
Siya Kolisi brings up a century of Springboks caps as he skippers the South Africa side in Paris. Boan Venter takes the place of the injured Ox Nche at loosehead, while the return of Damian Willemse sees Cheslin Kolbe shift to his usual spot on the right wing.
South African rugby fans are in for a long wait on Saturday before being able to settle down for the clash between the Springboks and France, which kicks off at 22:10 SA time, which is 21:10 CET in France.
That is quite a late kick off in Paris even when considering the slight time difference, but later kick off times are commonplace in France, often due to broadcast and scheduling considerations.
Part of it comes down to a preference for a prime time TV slot in France. The late evening slot is a highly desirable time for major sporting events
Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has paid tribute to his esteemed captain Siya Kolisi ahead of his 100th Test appearance on Saturday, calling the two-time World Cup winner ‘humble’ as he hits the incredible milestone.
Kolisi has been named on the flank for the match against France, as the four-time world champions look to continue their strong start to the Autumn Nations Series.
Praise from Rassie Erasmus A work ethic that never wavered Support from Rassie Erasmus The human nature of leadership
While the nation will support Kolisi from afar, he has supporters close by. Springboks boss Erasmus understands the
Src: TheSouthAfrican.com – https://rugga.co.za/springboks/why-is-the-kick-off-for-springboks-v-france-so-late/
Read the full article from The South African Rugby here.
