France and South Africa will meet in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 on Monday, 16 October 2023 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The match is expected to be a close and exciting encounter, with both teams evenly matched.
France vs South Africa Match Details
- What it is: Rugby World Cup 2023
- Stage: Quarter-final 4
- Matchup: France vs South Africa
- WORLD RANKING: France (2nd), South Africa (3rd)
- Time: Monday, 16 October 2023, 21:00 Local Time, 3 PM ET, 6 AM AEDT, 8 PM UK
- Stadium: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
- Capacity: 80,000
- Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
France vs South Africa Team News
France
France have made one change to their starting XV for the quarter-final against South Africa, with captain Antoine Dupont returning at scrum-half after fracturing his jaw in the group stage. Maxime Lucu had been deputizing in Dupont’s absence, and moves to the bench.
The rest of the France team remains unchanged, with Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half, Damian Penaud and Gaël Fickou on the wings, and Jonathan Danty and Louis Bielle-Biarrey in the center.
Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (captain); Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio; Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament; Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt
Replacements: Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Francois Cros, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana
South Africa
South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV for the quarter-final against France, with Cobus Reinach replacing Faf de Klerk at scrum-half and Duane Vermeulen coming in for Jasper Wiese at No.8.
De Klerk has been struggling with a calf injury in recent weeks, and Reinach has impressed in his absence. Vermeulen, meanwhile, is back in the team after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The rest of the South Africa team remains unchanged, with Damian Willemse at fly-half, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Jesse Kriel on the wings, and Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am in the center.
Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach; Steven Kitshoff, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Duane Vermeulen
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Handre Pollard, Willie Le Roux
France vs South Africa Preview
The match between France and South Africa is expected to be a close and exciting encounter. Both teams are evenly matched, and have the potential to win the tournament.
France have a strong all-round team, with a powerful forward pack and a dangerous backline. South Africa have a world-class forward pack, and a backline that is capable of scoring tries from anywhere on the field.
The key to the match will be the battle up front. If France can win the battle up front, they will be in a good position to win the match. However, if South Africa can get on the front foot and play their attacking game, they will be a dangerous proposition.
Key Battles
- Antoine Dupont vs Faf de Klerk
The two scrum-halves are two of the best players in the world, and their battle will be crucial to the outcome of the match. Dupont is a dynamic and creative player who is always looking to attack, while de Klerk is a more traditional scrum-half who is known for his kicking and box kicking skills.
- Eben Etzebeth vs Cameron Woki
The two locks are two of the most physical players in the world, and their battle will be crucial to the outcome of the match. Etzebeth is a world-class lock who is known for his lineout skills and his ability to carry the ball, while Woki is a young and talented lock who is known for his athleticism and his ability to make tackles.
- Cheslin Kolbe vs Damian Penaud
The two wings are two of the most dangerous players in the world, and their battle will be crucial to the outcome of the match. Kolbe is a world-class wing who is known for his speed, his footwork, and his ability to finish moves, while Penaud is a young and talented wing who is known for his athleticism and his ability to score tries.
France vs South Africa Prediction
It is difficult to predict the outcome of the match between France and South Africa. Both teams are evenly matched, and have the potential to win the tournament. However, I think that France will have a slight edge over South Africa. France are playing at home, and they have a very good record at the Stade de France. I predict that France will win the match by a narrow margin.
