Injuries Shake Up France’s Squad Ahead of Springbok Showdown in Paris

As the Springboks prepare to march into Paris on 8 November, France’s plans for a strong start to their November Test series have been thrown off course. Coach Fabien Galthie has been forced into two late squad changes after key injuries rocked his 2025 Six Nations-winning side.

France’s Build-Up Hits A Bump

The clash against South Africa was meant to be the grand opener for France’s three-match November campaign, followed by fixtures against Fiji and Australia. Galthie named a 42-man squad just a few days ago, but club rugby in the Top 14 had other ideas.

Both Bordeaux flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert and Racing 92 lock Romain Taofifenua suffered untimely injuries over the weekend, leaving Galthie with no choice but to shuffle his lineup.

Jalibert, one of France’s most electric playmakers, had been enjoying a resurgence at club level and was tipped to challenge for the starting No. 10 jersey against the Springboks. But during Bordeaux’s 41–12 win over Bayonne, he limped off late in the match with what appeared to be a recurring thigh issue.

Speaking after the game, a visibly frustrated Jalibert admitted, “I felt something strange in my thigh. It’s an area that’s been sensitive for years, and honestly, I don’t have much hope.”

His fears were confirmed soon after ruling him out of the international window entirely.

A Fresh Face Gets The Call

In Jalibert’s absence, Galthie turned to Ugo Seunes, the 24-year-old Racing 92 newcomer who’s quickly built a reputation as one of the Top 14’s breakout stars.

Seunes only joined Racing from Pro D2 side Aurillac earlier this year but has already cemented his place as first-choice flyhalf. His call-up to the French national team marks a remarkable rise and his debut could come on one of rugby’s biggest stages, against the reigning back-to-back world champions.

Taofifenua’s Setback Adds To The Woes

France’s injury concerns didn’t stop there. Veteran lock Romain Taofifenua lasted barely half an hour in Racing’s weekend clash before being forced off. His absence prompted another reshuffle, with Baptiste Pesenti of Stade Français recalled to the squad. Pesenti, last capped in 2024, brings physicality and depth to the French second row something they’ll need against the Springboks’ fearsome pack.

South Africa Await In Paris

For South Africans, this fixture is more than just another November Test. It’s a rematch between rugby’s two heavyweights the world champions and the team that pushed them to the brink in past encounters. Fans are already buzzing online, with South Africans joking that “Paris might feel a little greener this November.”

Meanwhile, French supporters have expressed mixed emotions. While many were excited about Jalibert’s form, others have rallied behind Seunes, calling it “his moment to shine.”

What It Means For Both Teams

France’s reshuffle will test Galthie’s depth ahead of what promises to be a brutal contest. The Springboks, under Rassie Erasmus, arrive in Europe with momentum and a point to prove eager to reinforce their dominance after back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs.

For Galthie, the challenge is clear: steady the ship, rally his squad, and make sure the Stade de France doesn’t turn into a Bok fortress.

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{Source:SABC Sport}

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