PARIS – The stage is set for another blockbuster rugby clash as France host reigning world champions South Africa at the Stade de France on Saturday night, marking a major highlight in the autumn internationals.
Their last meeting at the same venue, during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, ended in a nail-biting 29–28 victory for South Africa, propelling them toward back-to-back world titles. Since then, the Springboks have lost only four of their 23 matches, maintaining their reputation as one of rugby’s most dominant sides.
French head coach Fabien Galthié has made it clear that his team is focused on building toward the 2027 World Cup. “The past feeds us, but we are focused on the future,” Galthié said, describing South Africa as “perhaps the best team that has ever existed.”
South Africa’s coach Rassie Erasmus returned the compliment with typical humility. “It’s a nice compliment,” he said. “But those French players won’t believe we’re the best team in the world. They’ll come at us full force.”
Both teams will field experienced lineups. France, the reigning European champions, retain six players from their 2023 clash, while South Africa bring back nine of the World Cup-winning squad. The match also marks two major milestones — Siya Kolisi’s 100th Test appearance and Erasmus’s 50th as head coach.
“That will definitely not distract us,” Erasmus said. “When milestones become bigger than the match, you tend to come second.” Paying tribute to Kolisi, he added: “His humbleness stands out. He’s grown from tough beginnings into a great leader.”
Kolisi, who captained South Africa to consecutive World Cup victories, said the team remains motivated to finish 2025 as the world’s number one. “Every match counts for us,” he said. “We know how important the ranking points will be.”
France, currently ranked fifth, could leapfrog Ireland and England with a win, while South Africa risk surrendering the top spot if New Zealand defeat Scotland on the same weekend.
Kolisi acknowledged the challenge ahead. “The French rely heavily on set pieces. They have incredible backs, just like us. Dominating scrums and lineouts will be key.”
South Africa opened their European tour with a commanding 61–7 win over Japan at Wembley on 1 November. After facing France, they will travel to Italy, Ireland, and Wales. France will next play Fiji in Bordeaux and Australia later in the month.
As both teams prepare for another epic encounter, fans can expect intensity, emotion, and world-class rugby under the Paris floodlights — a fitting sequel to their unforgettable 2023 clash.