“We tend to get up for the French team, out of respect,” said Rassie Erasmus this week.
France will face world champions South Africa at the Stade de France on Friday night in the Nations Championship, with French coach Fabien Galthié naming scrum-half Antoine Dupont at fly-half to combat an injury crisis, The Guardian reported.
The match pits back-to-back Six Nations champions France against back-to-back world champions South Africa, who have won nine of the last 10 games between the two sides over the past 15 years. South Africa won the last fixture in Paris 32-17 and knocked France out of the 2023 World Cup in a quarter-final, according to The Guardian.
Galthié has used more than 100 players since June 2024, with 30 currently sidelined by injuries, accounting for 34% of France’s playing time and 41% of their points during that span. Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Thomas Ramos, and Antoine Hastoy are all unavailable, forcing Galthié to pair Dupont with scrum-half Maxime Lucu.
Galthié Changes Coaching Staff and Addresses Selection Criticism
The French coaching structure has seen significant turnover, with Galthié replacing foreign coaches Shaun Edwards and Vlok Cilliers with staff from the Top 14. This includes Maxime Petitjean, who now oversees kicking strategy, and Geoffrey Doumayrou, who manages the defence.
Regarding the selection of Dupont, Galthié addressed external criticism during a press conference: “We haven’t particularly listened to the advice of others,” Galthié added. “There are plenty of coaches in France offering opinions on team selections, and I can see that people all over the world are interested in our French team.”
Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang wins his fourth cap on the wing after switching back from Sevens, where he won Olympic gold alongside Dupont in 2024, according to BBC Sport.
“Just remember what he did as a sevens player; he was able to dominate that seven series and get an Olympic gold medal,” the former Springboks boss said on the Talking Boks podcast. South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made just one change from the side that beat Italy 66-7, bringing in Wilco Louw at prop for Thomas du Toit.
“I don’t even know if Dupont’s team-mates know exactly what he’s going to do next, so he’s just really playing on instinct, which is tough to handle,” Erasmus said this week, as noted by BBC Sport.
Tactical Debate Over the Ten Channel
Former Springboks boss Nick Mallett suggested that Dupont’s physical presence at ten will help counter South Africa’s attack, pointing out that Dupont outweighs Lucu by approximately 10 kilograms, according to Planet Rugby.
Mallett noted that the French playmakers are likely to retain possession rather than kick away, while the match will ultimately be decided by the forward packs. “Games are won by the forwards, and it’s the pack of forwards that’s going to have to stand up against the Boks, not nine and 10,” Mallett said.
Galthié defended the selection strategy in The Irish Times, stating that the coaching staff evaluated multiple options before deciding on the dual scrum-half pairing. “We have two icons, one playing in Bordeaux and the other in Toulouse, whom we have wanted to bring together to lead this French team on Friday evening,” Galthié told a press conference.
Erasmus emphasized the tactical flexibility of the opposition, stating: “So 9 and 10 can both kick and defend – Dupont probably better in the fly-half channel as I mentioned.”
France v South Africa prediction: Springboks 'machine' to melt 'hapless' Les Bleus before Rassie Erasmus' men 'thunderclap' with glamour rugby https://t.co/XC6iEBedKk
Frequently Asked Questions About the Match
Where is the France versus South Africa match taking place?
The Nations Championship fixture is being held at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday night.
Why is Antoine Dupont playing at fly-half?
Dupont was moved from scrum-half due to an injury crisis that ruled out regular ten options Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Thomas Ramos, and Antoine Hastoy.
"This will be his ninth career start in the role, but he frequently ends matches in the role for Toulouse and France in the position," said Jared Wright, discussing Fabien Galthié's decision to start Antoine Dupont at fly-half. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/InMSRdDYNr
What is the recent head-to-head record between France and South Africa?
South Africa have won nine of the last 10 matches against France over the past 15 years, including a victory at the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals.
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