The Boks will be looking to keep their unbeaten record in Europe when they face France at Stade de France on Saturday evening. The Springboks have had an easy EOY tour to date, after beating Wales in their 1st test 24 – 15 and Scotland 28 – 0 last weekend.
France had a tough start to their season, going down19 – 26 to New Zealand. They had a much easier run against Tonga, beating them 38 – 18, taking much needed confidence into this weekends game.
The French are very unpredictable and known for creating magic and the impossible if things are going their way. Even though the Boks managed to beat them convincingly in their last test in 2010, 42 – 17, they have only won 2 out of the last 5 test matches. In 2005 the Springboks won 27 – 13 in Port Elizabeth and the previous mentioned 42 – 17 win was in Cape Town.
What makes matters worse is that the Boks have never beaten Les Bleus at Stade de France. In 2005 the Boks lost 15 – 20 and 10 – 20 in 2001.
History between these two countries dates back to 1913 when the Springboks won 38 – 5. Since that 1st test in Bordeaux they’ve played 37 more with the Springboks winning 20, 6 tests have ended in a draw.
France:
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Sofiane Guitoune, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Yoann Huget, 10 Remi Tales, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Pascal Pape, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Yannick Forestier.
Substitutes: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 Sebastien Vahaamahina, 20 Yannick Nyanga, 21 Jean-Marc Doussain, 22 Frederic Michalak, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud
South Africa:
15 Willie le Roux: 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain) 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Flip van der Merwe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Substitutes: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Bakkies Botha, 20 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 21 Siya Kolisi 22 Jano Vermaak, 23 Patrick Lambie
Tweet
Im embarrassed to say that my knowledge of French rugby is not where it should be.
There are a few names I know in that side but far too many are completely unrecognisable.
Must brush up on my Frog Rugby.
Good to see old Fred still in the mix
Of the topic. Jake announced his coaching team. Might have missed it before.
JW ; Headcoach and Defence – Great world class coach. He was clear about his and the team’s aspiration. Improve last year’s S15 performance and win the S15. S15 is not Currie Cup.
Paul Anthony : Forwards – He is a great person and coach that gained his experience through school coaching up to provincial coaching.
SE ; backline – great choice
BMH – technical advisor.
Host of consultants for focus areas of improvement.
He believed we have a great squad from young to old – I am sure we all agree.
He stated working harder than anybody else will ensure success!
I can not wait for the S15 season.
I heard Bressler is getting another shoulder operation. Feel so sorry for the poor guy. Get well soon Anton.
@Observer (Comment 3) : wishing anton bresler a quick recovery.cant wait to see him back in the mix for the sharks.
The french gave the all blacks a hard time.if it wasnt for some wayward goal kicking from parra there might have been an upset.
@Observer (Comment 3) : Won’t BMH also coach the breakdowns?
EDIT: Nevermind, it’s answered in the latest SW thread.
Think I was there in 2005. Was very cold.
I hope Lambie gets a decent amount of time ❗ AT NO 10 ❗
@John Galt (Comment 1) : Know what u mean…..the french is one team I don’t know that well.