Rassie Erasmus Prepares For “Brutal” France Rematch As Springboks Return To Paris

FautWhen South Africa run out at the Stade de France this weekend, it won’t just be another test match. It’ll be a reunion laced with history, pride, and a touch of unfinished business. Two years after that unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks are back in Paris to face France and the wily head coach is expecting nothing less than a “brutal clash.”

A Return To The Scene Of Triumph

Erasmus has been here before literally and figuratively. In 2023, the Springboks edged France by a single point in a heart-stopping quarterfinal that set the tone for their run to a record fourth Rugby World Cup title. They went on to beat England by one point in the semifinal, and New Zealand by one point in the final.

“I can’t even remember what we went through in terms of emotions then,” Erasmus admitted with a smile during Thursday’s media session. “We’ve done well there in the past, but things change quickly. We’re really looking forward to a brutal clash.”

This fixture is being billed as the headline act of the Autumn Nations Series and for good reason. It comes just weeks before December’s 2027 World Cup pool draw, where world rankings will once again play a critical role.

France Out For Redemption

Across the halfway line, France head coach Fabien Galthie is also reliving his own bittersweet memories. He led Les Bleus through their home World Cup campaign in 2023, one that ended in heartbreak at the hands of Erasmus’ Boks.

This time, however, his squad looks very different. Only nine players from that World Cup defeat remain in the lineup. Injuries to key stars most notably captain and scrum-half Antoine Dupont have forced Galthie to turn to a new generation of talent.

“We have a lot of players who are absent or injured that could potentially be in the team,” Galthie said. “Sometimes you have to look backwards to go forwards.”

Dupont, now an Olympic Sevens gold medallist, is expected to return next month, leaving 23-year-old Nolann Le Garrec to take the No 9 jersey this weekend.

Experience Versus Youth

While France experiment with fresh faces like Le Garrec and young props Regis Montagne and Baptiste Erdocio, South Africa arrive with a seasoned forward pack averaging over 70 caps per player. Among them, captain Siya Kolisi will celebrate his 100th Test a milestone that’s added extra emotion to the occasion.

Erasmus, however, was quick to point out that France’s rebuilding side still poses a serious threat. “There’s quite some depth in what they did when they sent the team to New Zealand and what they are building there,” he said. “It’s very much what we’re trying to do bringing youngsters through.”

Galthie, for his part, praised his newer players, calling them “massive competitors” who deserve their place on merit.

Mutual Respect, But No Mercy

In the build-up to the match, Galthie described the Springboks as “maybe the best team ever.” Erasmus took it as a compliment but also a challenge.

“It’s a nice thing for him to say,” he replied. “But those guys who are playing against us this weekend won’t believe that we’re the best team in the world. They’ll go out there and try to beat us proper.”

Since winning the World Cup, the Springboks have lost just four of their last 23 matches. Erasmus has added more flair and attacking variety to their famously physical game, while maintaining that same gritty, disciplined edge that broke French hearts in 2023.

A Rivalry That Defines Modern Rugby

Saturday night’s clash isn’t just a rematch it’s a reflection of two rugby cultures that thrive on passion, power, and precision. For France, it’s a chance at redemption. For the Springboks, it’s an opportunity to reassert their dominance on one of rugby’s biggest stages.

And for Erasmus, it’s the kind of game he lives for. “We’re really looking forward to it,” he said simply. “A brutal clash that’s what Test rugby is all about.”

For more rugby news and updates follow: SA Rugby Mag

{Source:SuperSport}

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