Boks brace for ‘emotional French bullies’ in Paris showdown

The Springboks are bracing themselves for France in “bully mode” ahead of Saturday's 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final rematch in Paris.

However, the focus won’t just be upfront, but also on halting their skilful backline and not have them dictate the terms of play at the Stade de France (10.10pm kick-off) in the French capital.

It is the first time since the 2023 tournament that the two sides meet, and while the hosts will be out for revenge, the world champions will look to consolidate their No 1 ranking in the world. A victory will keep them in the hunt to be the best-placed international side ahead of the 2027 World Cup pool draw next month.

Bok No 8 Jasper Wiese says they’ve analysed what the French could bring on Saturday evening and they’ll be ready for the duel.

“From a forward’s perspective, you know what to expect. They are big boys, and they are going to try and bully you,” Wiese said yesterday.

“In the backline, they have the flair. I mean, all their backs are exceptional players. In the midfield and on the wing. Unfortunately, (Antoine) Dupont is not playing, but they are all very good players if you think about it.

“For me, it is about stopping the momentum of their forwards and getting myself up for it. The backs will have a different job of shutting their players down.”

Zoning in on the battle between the forwards, Wiese highlighted the statement France made in the last couple of years with their pack. He believes the game will come down to whose forwards get the upper hand on the day and who dominates whom.

When asked if the Boks had any trick plays up their sleeve for the French, the powerful No 8 only laughed and said they are looking forward to the battle. However, he believes they are still hurting from that loss in the quarters in 2023.

The Springboks won that match by one point and eventually went on to lift the Webb Ellis Cup at the same venue against New Zealand.

“I think they had a lot of hurt, still, after that game. They are saying it is for revenge, and it will be a good challenge. I think we can expect them to be very emotional, and we must be up for it.

“I wasn’t fortunate enough to play in the quarters and was in the stands. What I can remember is the crowd being loud. France started well, but we stuck to our guns and knew our plan. The forwards came more into the game. We helped make plans next to the coaches with what we were seeing from the game.

“There were some massive moments that shifted the game for us, and at the end of the game, we pulled it through. It was a big victory for us. We try to stick together as a group; that is what we always try to do. It never changes, and it doesn’t matter who we face on a weekend, whether it be France, New Zealand or Italy.”