Erasmus to eye full-strength lineup as Boks aim to extend dominant record

FOR more than two decades, the Springboks have largely had the upper hand over France — a record the world champions will look to extend when the two sides clash at the iconic Stade de France in Paris on Saturday night.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

Over the past 15 years, South Africa have lost to Les Bleus only once — a narrow 30-26 defeat at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille in 2022.

It was a fierce and physical contest that went down to the wire, with the French just edging it in front of their passionate home crowd.

But the Boks got their revenge the following year at the Rugby World Cup, stunning the host nation 29-28 in the quarterfinals at the same venue where they are set to renew their rivalry this weekend.

It was a classic encounter that saw the defending champions fight back from behind to knock the hosts out and go on to win a record fourth world title.

Now, as the two nations prepare to face off again, the stakes are as high as ever.

For France, it’s about redemption and proving they can beat the world champions when it matters.