It’s not rocket science — this will be a huge battle.
With those simple words, Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach summed up exactly what they’re expecting against France on Saturday in Paris (10.10pm kick-off) in their second match of the November tour.
This will be a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final — a clash South Africa won 29-28, stunning the French and their fans. And with captain Siya Kolisi running out for his 100th Test, the Boks aim to replicate that memorable night under the Parisian sky.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus, in charge of his 50th Test, has named an almost full-strength side, apart from the injured loosehead Ox Nché, and the Boks know full well the emotion and determination they’ll face.
Reinach continues his budding halfback partnership with rookie Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and the pair are expected to steer the Springbok attack and kicking game — something they’ve managed impressively throughout the season. Reinach’s sharp service at the breakdown and from behind the scrum will be vital if South Africa hopes to play off front-foot possession.
But getting that right is easier said than done.
💯 up for Siya Kolisi as Rassie Erasmus also raises his bat in Paris – more here: https://t.co/CfeRSvkH9H 🔥
Catch every moment live on @SSRugby #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/5yur5BCBbi— Springboks (@Springboks) November 6, 2025
According to the explosive scrumhalf, they’re bracing for an onslaught similar to the one they faced two years ago at the Stade de France.
“They’re going to be charged up because they haven’t forgotten about the 2023 World Cup — but neither have we,” Reinach said on Thursday.
“It’s a game we all look back on, learn from, and use to prepare for the next challenge. Yes, they’ll be fired up, but whatever emotion or talk happens in their camp can’t affect how we prepare.“We know they’ll come with a physical approach, and we must be ready for it.”
Eleven players played in the Boks’ narrow quarter-final victory over Les Bleus at the Stade de France — Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, RG Snyman, Reinach, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Damian Willemse, and Manie Libbok.
They will look to repeat that feat to continue the strong season of the Springboks that saw them clinch the Rugby Championship title for a second year in a row.
The world champions have won eight of their 10 matches this year, losing only to Australia and New Zealand, and after thrashing Japan last weekend, they will look to maintain their unbeaten run on the year-end tour.
