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France vs South Africa: a depleted Bleus defence faces the Springbok wall

Hit by injuries, France's rugby side meets the two-time reigning world champions tonight at the Stade de France, with a brand-new defence to test.

1 min read
French rugby players line up in defence against South African Springboks at the Stade de France in Paris.
Image: Le Monde

Tonight, France's rugby team face one of the toughest nights of the year. Weakened by injuries, Les Bleus take on South Africa, the reigning two-time world champions, on Friday 13 November at the Stade de France (the national stadium near Paris). Kick-off is at 9:10 pm French time.

The match is the headline clash of the fifth round of the Nations Championship. It is also the first big test of a new-look French defence, which will have to stand up to the Springboks' famous physical power.

The team has been heavily reshuffled. Coach Galthié's surprise decision to put Antoine Dupont at fly-half, announced earlier this week, only adds to the intrigue.

France have good memories of this fixture. On 8 November 2025, they beat the then world champions 32-17 at the same ground. But with so many players missing, this is a very different team.

Expect a physical, high-stakes evening in Saint-Denis.

#rugby#france#south africa#springboks#nations championship#stade de france
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France rugby team vs South Africa, Dupont at fly-half · 3 updates

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  1. France beat world champion South Africa 32-17 at Stade de France
  2. Dupont at fly-half: Galthié's surprise pick against South Africa
  3. France vs South Africa: a depleted Bleus defence faces the Springbok wall

What happened before and after this story. Background events not previously covered were summarised by AI.

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