Rassie Erasmus Makes Two Changes as Springboks Name Team for Massive France Clash

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to his matchday squad as South Africa prepare for a highly anticipated encounter against France in Paris on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Erasmus has largely maintained the team that delivered an impressive 66-7 victory over Italy in Turin, showing confidence in the players who produced a dominant performance in their previous Nations Championship fixture.

The two changes see tighthead prop Wilco Louw promoted to the starting XV, while experienced scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has been included among the replacements.

Louw takes the place of Thomas du Toit in the starting lineup, with the latter moving to the replacements bench. Louw will join Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx in the Springboks’ front row as South Africa look to maintain their dominance in the set pieces.

Meanwhile, Reinach replaces Grant Williams on the bench, providing Erasmus with additional experience and versatility ahead of the difficult assignment against the French.

The rest of the starting lineup remains unchanged, with captain Siya Kolisi once again leading the side. He will be joined in the forward pack by Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Ruan Nortje and Lood de Jager.

In the backline, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg retain their positions at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel continue their midfield partnership.

Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ethan Hooker and Damian Willemse complete the back three.

Erasmus explained that the decision to maintain most of the squad was part of the team’s plan to build consistency and momentum during their northern hemisphere tour.

The Springbok coach also confirmed that Eben Etzebeth, despite joining the squad in France, would not feature in the matchday 23 as he continues to work his way back following his injury absence.

The clash against France represents another major test for the reigning world champions, particularly given the quality of the French side and the atmosphere expected at the Stade de France.

South Africa will be hoping to carry their impressive performance against Italy into Friday’s encounter as they continue their Nations Championship campaign.

The Springboks will face France on Friday night, with kick-off scheduled for 22:10 South African time.

Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Lood de Jager, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche.

Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Franco Mostert, Cameron Hanekom, Paul de Villiers, Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok.

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