Springboks Face France In Saint-Denis As Kolisi Reaches 100 Caps

South Africa travel to Saint-Denis on Saturday for a Test that carries history, milestones and selection questions. The Springboks, ranked No.1 in the world, meet France in what promises to be a tight contest at the Stade de France, a venue that still resonates from their 29-28 World Cup quarter-final victory in 2023.

Kolisi Reaches Historic Milestone

Siya Kolisi will earn his 100th Test cap, becoming the ninth player in Springbok history to reach that mark. The milestone arrives as Rassie Erasmus records his 50th match in charge of the national team. Selection changes include Boan Venter replacing the injured Ox Nche at loosehead prop and forming the front row with Thomas du Toit on the tighthead side. Eben Etzebeth returns to the second row, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kolisi make up two of the forward leaders, with Jasper Wiese named at number eight. The back three sees Damian Willemse at fullback and wings occupied by Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. RG Snyman joins the replacements as cover for the injured Kwagga Smith.

French Depth And Recent Success

France arrive with a strong recent record in the north, having established themselves among the leading Test nations alongside Ireland. Both countries have shared Six Nations titles across recent seasons, and France are the current holders. French rugby’s strength at youth level underpins the senior side; France have claimed three of the last five U20 World Rugby Championships, reached another final and consistently reached at least the semi-finals.

Dupont Missing As France Adjust

Antoine Dupont is absent from the matchday squad as he continues his recovery from injury. Reports in L’Equipe and Midi Olympique indicate that Dupont has returned to training but remains short of full match fitness, with expectations that he will not be ready until next month. His omission forces coach Fabien Galthie to rely on alternatives at scrum-half and revisit leadership patterns in the backline.

Rivalry Defined By Fine Margins

Recent head-to-head form favours South Africa. The Springboks have won eight of their last nine Tests against France and 28 of the 46 overall encounters. France has recorded 12 victories in that span, with six matches drawn. Notably, four consecutive Tests between the two nations have been decided by margins of four points or fewer, underscoring the narrow margins that often determine this fixture.

Form, Tactics And Home Advantage

SuperSportBet lists France as the slight favourites for the match, despite South Africa’s top ranking in the world. The pricing reflects home advantage and France’s sustained form rather than a clear gap in quality.

Tactical matchups will be central. South Africa’s pack remains a cornerstone of their game plan: physicality in the set-piece and control at the breakdown. The inclusion of Venter and the experienced duo of Etzebeth and du Toit aims to sustain that platform. France, meanwhile, will look to exploit tempo, quick recycling and their backline creativity to unsettle the Springboks’ defensive structure. How each side manages discipline, kicking territory, and possession will likely determine the outcome.

Kolisi's Role In Leadership Continuity

For Kolisi, the match is both a personal landmark and part of a broader leadership role as South Africa maintains continuity under Erasmus. For France, the game offers an opportunity to capitalise on home advantage and press a claim that the recent World Cup shock remains an anomaly rather than a turning point.

Expect a contest shaped by forward collisions, tactical kicking battles and narrow scoring margins, another chapter in a rivalry that continues to produce close, competitive rugby.

Bet On The Springboks vs France Test At SuperSportBet

Back the Boks or the French in this historic clash as Siya Kolisi earns his 100th cap. Whether you're predicting physical dominance or flair from the backline, place your bet now at SuperSportBet for top rugby odds.