Paris is the Springboks' playground

The Springboks have made the Stade de France their fortress and should have too much firepower for the French, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Keohane believes Rassie Erasmus’ settled combination, formidable forward pack and remarkable record in Paris make the Boks overwhelming favourites for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash.

South Africa have won on their last four visits to the stadium, including three successive one-point knockout victories against France, England and New Zealand to claim the 2023 World Cup. They also beat France 32-17 last year despite playing the entire second half with 14 men.

“The French may own the stadium, but the Springboks have made it their playground.”

Keohane also believes the Boks’ continuity gives them another significant advantage, with Erasmus making just two changes to the match 23 that thrashed Italy 66-7 in Turin.

The starting selection of tighthead prop Wilco Louw and retention of lock Lood de Jager underline the strength of a pack that Keohane expects to dominate the set-piece.

“The Boks don’t need to be spectacular to win this Test. They need to be accurate, disciplined and ruthless in the areas where they are already superior.”

France, meanwhile, face disruption at flyhalf, with Antoine Dupont set to wear the No 10 jersey alongside scrumhalf Maxime Lucu because of injuries to their first four choices in the position.

While acknowledging Dupont’s exceptional talent and France’s attacking threat, Keohane believes the hosts will struggle against the Springboks’ physicality and settled combinations.

“The Boks have the better balance, the more settled combinations and the stronger forward platform.”

Keohane expects Erasmus’ men to extend their winning streak at the Stade de France in convincing fashion.

“Everything points to another emphatic Springbok victory. The only question should be by how much,” he concludes.