Springboks have made Paris their fortress

The Stade de France is French rugby’s national fortress, but the Springboks have made themselves remarkably comfortable in Paris, winning their last four Tests at the iconic venue.

South Africa have won nine of their last 10 encounters against France, with the French having last beaten the Springboks at their national stadium in 2001.

That dominance has included some of the most memorable victories in South African rugby history, particularly during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Jacques Nienaber’s Springboks edged France by a single point in an extraordinary quarter-final before defeating England and New Zealand by the same margin to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.

Rassie Erasmus’ world champions returned to Paris last year and secured an impressive 32-17 victory, despite spending 30 minutes of the second half playing with 14 men.

The final score suggested a comfortable afternoon, but the contest was anything but straightforward.

Every victory at the Stade de France must be earned.

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Springboks face a formidable French challenge

France are the reigning Six Nations champions and remain one of the strongest nations in international rugby.

Their quality and depth arguably make them the only team capable of matching the Springboks beyond their strongest matchday 23.

The French demonstrated that strength with a commanding 42-26 victory over Australia during July’s Nations Championship.

Their depth was again evident against Fiji last Saturday, when only 11 players remained from the matchday squad that defeated the Wallabies.

Just seven players survived from last year’s defeat against the Springboks, with five named in the starting XV and two among the replacements.

The most significant addition is captain and scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, whose absence through injury last year deprived France of arguably the most influential player in world rugby.

Erasmus has consistently acknowledged the threat posed by the French, particularly their combination of physical dominance and exceptional attacking talent.

“I have always been impressed by their size; they obviously have special playmakers but they can also physically hurt their opponents,” said Erasmus.

“Playing at the Stade de France is always special for us. We have had great results there, we love the noise of the crowd and the energy of the crowd. It is a pressured environment and our players, like the French, feed off that energy.”

France acknowledge Springboks’ dominance

France coach Fabien Galthié has been equally complimentary of the world champions.

“They still have the same strengths – their pack, their aerial kicking game – which they’ve developed even further, the same power,” said Galthié.

“It’s the most difficult challenge this current generation has ever faced: playing these world champion Springboks.”

A year ago, Galthié described the South Africans as “perhaps the best team ever in the sport”, and his admiration has only grown.

“They were exceptional in beating the All Blacks in three successive Tests.”

Erasmus selected his strongest available matchday squad for Saturday’s emphatic 66-7 victory against Italy in Turin and is unlikely to make significant changes for the Paris showdown.

Sixteen players selected against Italy featured in last year’s 32-17 victory over France.

Loosehead prop Boan Venter was the only fit player from that winning combination omitted, with the other six unavailable through injury.

Springboks embrace the battle in Paris

For Springbok scrum coach Daan Human, France holds particular significance.

Human, who earned four Test caps for South Africa in 2002, joined Toulouse in 2004 and made 169 appearances before retiring in 2012.

He has frequently credited French rugby with developing his scrummaging knowledge and retains enormous affection for Toulouse, the country’s rugby culture and its appreciation of forward play.

That respect extends to both coaching staffs and playing groups.

Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi have repeatedly stressed that South Africa’s recent dominance in Paris does not reflect how closely contested these encounters have been.

“In most cases, there is just one score between us. They are a very good side, and in Fabien they have an exceptional coach.”

With another major Nations Championship encounter approaching, the Springboks will attempt to extend their remarkable record at the Stade de France.

France will be determined to reclaim their national fortress, but the world champions have shown repeatedly that Paris is a stage on which they thrive.