# South Africa Unveils Strong Lineup for France Rugby Clash The Springboks maintain continuity with a veteran squad for the Stade de France showdown. - **Source:** [Ouest-France](https://www.ouest-france.fr) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b338efd0-5c67-4ae2-becb-992e3c6ae35e ## Springboks Announce Starting XV South Africa, the reigning double world champions, officially revealed their starting lineup this Monday, November 9. They are scheduled to face the French national team this Friday, November 13, at the Stade de France. The match, kicking off at 9:10 PM, marks a highly anticipated encounter between these two rugby powerhouses. ## Commitment to Tactical Continuity Coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for significant stability, making only two changes to the squad that recently dominated Italy in Rome. The team secured a decisive 66-7 victory in that previous outing, including a 45-0 first-half performance. Erasmus believes maintaining this core group is essential for building positive momentum throughout the tour. ## Strategic Roster Adjustments Prop Wilcow Louw joins the starting lineup for this fixture, while scrum-half Cobus Reinach moves to the bench. Reinach, a former Montpellier player, brings valuable experience of French rugby conditions to the team. Sixteen of the twenty-three selected players were present during South Africa's 32-17 victory on French soil last year. ## The Full Matchday Squad The starting XV features Willemse, Arendse, Kriel, de Allende, and Hooker in the backline. The forwards include P-S. du Toit, Wiese, Kolisi, Nortje, Moerat, Louw, Marx, and Nche. The bench comprises Wessels, Steenekamp, T. du Toit, de Jager, Hanekom, de Villiers, Reinach, and Libbok, providing depth for the intense physical challenge ahead. ## Coach Erasmus on Selection Rassie Erasmus emphasized that the team intended to avoid excessive rotation during this European tour. He noted that most players are familiar with the French crowd's fervor and the specific challenges of playing in France. This experience is expected to be a critical factor in maintaining composure under the expected high pressure. ## Context of French Preparations The French team faces significant personnel challenges heading into this match. Key players like Romain Ntamack are sidelined due to shoulder injuries, forcing the staff to adjust their tactical plans. Coach Fabien Galthié has recalled veterans like Julien Marchand and Gaël Fickou to bolster the squad against the formidable South African challenge. ## Historical Performance and Stakes South Africa enters this match with high confidence following their dominant performance against Italy. The Springboks have consistently demonstrated their ability to perform in European conditions, as evidenced by their previous win at the Stade de France. Both teams are looking to refine their strategies ahead of future international tournament requirements. ## Significance of the Encounter This test match serves as a vital benchmark for both nations in their ongoing development. For South Africa, it is an opportunity to solidify their status as world leaders, while France aims to prove their resilience despite recent injury setbacks. Fans expect a physically demanding game defined by tactical discipline and intensity. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/rugby/equipe-de-france/france-afrique-du-sud-les-springboks-devoilent-deja-leur-composition-et-sortent-la-grosse-equipe-2c6f57fa-dc33-11f1-a45f-49114163a350?utm_source=fluxpublicactu&utm_medium=fluxrss&utm_campaign=banquedecontenu — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._