Toulouse-based Shaun Sowerby says the Springboks’ decision to arrive two days before kickoff amounts to ‘arrogance’.

The first-choice Bok XV has been training in Gauteng since the 37-man squad congregated on 2 November, and will only touch down in Toulouse on Wednesday. According to the Bok schedule, the match 22 will do some stretching exercises on Wednesday afternoon, followed by the Captain’s Run on Thursday.

South Africa haven’t won a Test against France since 2006, and haven’t beat the Tricolores in their own country since 1997. They travel to Europe on the back of an arduous season that saw them capture a series win over the British & Irish Lions as well as the Tri Nations crown. It’s been a prosperous year, but a taxing one, and Sowerby is right to question their preparation ahead of what’s to be the true barometer of physical prowess.

‘The conditions are going to be massively influential,’ the Toulouse stalwart told keo.co.za. ‘It’s a surprise that South Africa are only getting here on Wednesday afternoon. It’s a helluva risky if you ask me. I don’t want to say they’re disrespecting the French, but it’s kind of arrogant.

‘It sends the message that South Africa back themselves to win even though they are only going to be in the country 48 hours before kickoff.’

Sowerby earned his only Test cap in 2002 against Samoa before deciding to further his career in France. He represented the mighty Stade Francais from 2004 to 2007 before joining Toulouse, a club rich in rugby tradition. Situated in a region often called the hotbed of French rugby, Toulouse is a difficult venue to visit. For a group of players who’ve endured nine months of top-flight rugby, it’s a massive ask.

‘I’ve played in the South African competitions and toured Europe with the junior and A sides,’ remarked Sowerby. ‘I know how tough it is to finish your season and then come over to Europe to play these teams. The French have prepared well as the Six Nations is right around the corner. I don’t think the southern hemisphere teams are so well prepared for what lies in wait.

‘The Boks are the world champions and are comfortably the best team in the world. That’s indisputable, but they are playing away from home at a small ground. The conditions are difficult and they are at the end of their season.

‘It’s going to come down to desire. The Boks will need to want this more than the French. They will need to be at their very best both physically and mentally to beat the French on Friday.’

Toulouse has seen rain and overcast conditions since the beginning of the week; conditions that are expected to continue through to Friday. It’s going to be wet, but the Boks will need to ensure they’re burning white-hot.

France’s rugby pages have been inundated with images of the Springboks. Photographs of Bryan Habana and Schalk Burger have accompanied headlines that include the words “champions du monde”. The world champions are going to be on show, and there’s a great sense of anticipation as kickoff draws close.

France coach Marc Lievremont has spoken about the Boks’ brand of physicality, a theme that was picked up by loose forward Imanol Harinordoquy on Tuesday. The Biarritz flanker will start at No 7 alongside captain Thierry Dusatoir and No 8 Louis Picamoles. As a man who knows these players’ strengths intimately, Sowerby says the Boks are in for the scrap of the year.

‘I don’t think you have to be too intelligent to know that South Africa’s major strength is their physicality. Pre- and post the 2003 World Cup, South Africa lacked that element, but ever since it’s become a trademark. I know a lot of my French mates have been impressed with the physicality in the Currie Cup final, and the Boks will obviously take that to another level. Needless to say the team that wins the physical aspect will win the contest.

‘I play with Picamoles and Dusatoir at Toulouse, so I know what they’re capable of, and Harinordoquy has been a great player for France over the past six or seven years. It’s a pity Fulgence Ouedraogo is injured, as the Boks will fancy their chances with Heinrich Brüssow in the mix. That will be important when it comes to the battle at the breakdown, but there is also the set-pieces to consider where Harinordoquy will be a factor.

‘Picamoles is great in terms of breaking from the back of the scrum and providing the French with good go-forward ball, but Harinordoquy will provide balance to that back row and be the focal point at the lineout. Dusatoir is the tighter player, but expect to see Harinordoquy getting through plenty of work at the breakdown and at the lineout.’

The Boks are without Pierre Spies and Juan Smith, two of their best loose forwards, because of injury. Sowerby, however, believes South Africa boast a good back-row balance with Heinrich Brüssow starting alongside Burger, and expects Ryan Kankowski to benefit from their hard work at the ruck.

‘Every No 8 would love to play behind guys like Burger and Brüssow who both play to the ball. They will free up Kankowski to play looser.’

Sowerby said he enjoyed watching the Boks when they played at the 2007 World Cup in France, and will relish the opportunity to watch them live this Friday. As far as a return to the South African scene is concerned, Sowerby will play out his career in France.

The 31-year-old is presently enjoying a break from rugby with no Toulouse fixtures scheduled until late November.

‘I’m fine where I am, I’ll be here for the next two-and-a-half years and then I probably won’t play again. The French have a bad reputation for being rude perhaps in places like Paris, but here in the south, there’s a more laid-back vibe where folks are a lot more friendly. It’s a great place to live and it’s a great place to play rugby.’

By Jon Cardinelli, in Toulouse

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