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• Image Credit: Springboks.Rugby
• October 10, 2023

South Africa Names Matchday 23 to Face France in Stade de France on Sunday

Published By Everything ZA Travel

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has named a strong matchday 23 to face France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. The Springboks will be looking to avenge their defeat to Les Bleus in the 2019 semi-finals, and they have named a team that is full of experience and talent.

The most notable changes to the starting XV are at scrum-half and fly-half, where Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok are preferred to Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard respectively. Reinach has been in excellent form for the Springboks this tournament, and he will be looking to provide a spark from behind the pack. Libbok is a young and exciting player, and he will be looking to make his mark on the big stage.

Duane Vermeulen also starts at number eight ahead of Jasper Wiese. Vermeulen is one of the most experienced players in the Springbok squad, and he will be looking to provide his usual physicality and leadership.

The Boks have opted for a 5-3 split on the bench, with five forwards and three backs. This gives them the option to bring on fresh legs in the forwards later in the game, if needed.

The Springboks will be confident of their chances of victory on Sunday. They have a strong team, and they are playing in a stadium where they have a good record. However, France are also a very good team, and they will be looking to make amends for their defeat to the Boks in the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.

This is a must-win match for both teams, and it is sure to be a thrilling encounter.