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On Sunday, October 15, at Stade de France, South Africa takes on the Host (Les Bleus)in a fierce quarter-final encounter.
Many punters, analysts, and rugby enthusiasts expect France to emerge victorious on Sunday. The Blues have had an impressive tournament. A solid display against New Zealand and Uruguay and tearing Namibia to shreds has left many optimistic. Fans have picked the team as the favorite to win the Rugby World Cup 2023. However, tension remains high, and spectators are curious: who will take the throne? Here is the lineup to expect ahead of the big game:
France vs South Africa team lineups and news
Contents
Both teams have picked full-strength sides, with both eager for victory and a spot in the semi-finals. It promises to be a thrilling game.
Team news: France
France, Les Blues, gets a massive boost as Antoine Dupont returns this week, three weeks after his facial surgery. The return of Antoine, the captain, could see Maxime Lucu drop to the bench. Julian Marchand, however, remains unavailable.
Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty continue to walk together at the centers for the third consecutive match. Meanwhile, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud have the winger positions on lock, chasing the Rugby World Cup’s most-tries record. The team has chosen the 6-2 split to enhance their forward position.
Team news: South Africa
Alternatively, South Africa is in a much tighter spot ahead of the quarter-finals. The South African coach Jacques Nienaber has also made some surprising selections. Mannie Libbok still secures his place at the side by fly, although Handre Pollard is fit and stable to take the position.
The coach picked Mannie Libbok and Cobus Reinach over Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard. He also picked Duane Vermeulen over Jasper Wiese for the number 8 Jersey. Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, and Bongi Mbonambi begin the first row. Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth will form the team’s engine room. Finally, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi will take the back row.
Who makes it all the way?#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/vVjUwCK3UZ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 8, 2023
France’s predicted lineup
1. Cyril Baille, 2. Peato Mauvaka 3. Uini Atonio, 4. Cameron Woki, 5. Thibaud Flmanet, 6. Anthony Jelonch, 7. Charles Ollivon, 8. Gregory Alldritt, 9. Antoine Dupont ©, 10. Matthieu Jalibert, 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12. Jonathan Danty, 13. Gael Fickou, 14. Damian Penaud, and 15. Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: Maxime Lucu, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Francois Cros, Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Sekou Macalou, and Yoram Moefana
South Africa’s predicted lineup
15. Damian Willemse, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Cheslin Kolbe, 10. Manie Libbok, 9. Cobus Reinach, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 5. Franco Mostert, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Frans Malherbe, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, and 1. Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: A. Coleman, S. Paea, S. Moli, T. Koloamatangi, J. Apikotoa, S. Vailanu, T. Takulua, P. Pellegrini
Will South Africa regain control?
Both teams have met 45 times! The Springboks have a better head-head record, winning 27 matches out of their 45 games. On the other hand, France has won 12, and seven has ended in a draw. It looks good for the South African team, as they won the last seven of their past eight games.
However, the last time these two met, the Blues ended South Africa’s winning streak, emerging victors in a fiercely contested game (FRA 30: SA 26). Will the Blues start their win streak, or will the Springboks regain control?
Venue- Stade de France
Date- 14/10/2023
Time- 19:00 GMT
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