It's been two years since the Springboks' nail-biting win over France in the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals, and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is calling for a repeat performance to quiet the raucous Stade de France once again. "We have to be at our very best if we are to beat France on Saturday night," Stick emphasized, reflecting on the 29-28 thriller that's still celebrated as one of rugby's greatest matches.
The Springboks have tweaked their lineup slightly from that fateful night, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepping in as flyhalf, while Manie Libbok, who played a key role in the 2023 game, will be ready to bring the heat from the bench. "We knew what was coming that day in front of their home crowd, and we expect the same on Saturday night," Stick cautioned. The stakes are high, not just for pride but also because the Boks' number one ranking hangs in the balance.
"Ntamack is a world-class player and I know how they missed him in 2023,"
France isn't holding back either, sticking mainly with their World Cup squad. Their significant change is the return of Romain Ntamack at No 10, who missed the 2023 clash due to injury. "But if you look at the players around the flyhalf, they are world-class. Thomas Ramos is an exceptional fullback, and both wings – Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey – are deadly finishers," Stick noted.
The French team is expected to maintain a relentless pace, aiming to keep the ball in play and the game tempo high. "It is going to be a tough one, but we have the right squad to handle this game," Stick assured.
"We will do our best to keep our people proud at home."
As the Boks gear up for the clash, spirits are high, especially as they prepare to honor Siya Kolisi on his 100th cap for South Africa. The team will don their white kit in a symbolic gesture of unity and determination. With the match kicking off at 10:10 PM South Africa time, Stick hopes the nation will feel their fighting spirit, promising, "They must know that we will do our best for them."
As the stage is set for another epic showdown at the Stade de France, both teams are lining up with their best, ready to etch another memorable chapter in their storied rivalry.
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It's been two years since the Springboks' nail-biting win over France in the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals, and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is calling for a repeat performance to quiet the raucous Stade de France once again. "We have to be at our very best if we are to beat France on Saturday night," Stick emphasized, reflecting on the 29-28 thriller that's still celebrated as one of rugby's greatest matches.
The Springboks have tweaked their lineup slightly from that fateful night, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepping in as flyhalf, while Manie Libbok, who played a key role in the 2023 game, will be ready to bring the heat from the bench. "We knew what was coming that day in front of their home crowd, and we expect the same on Saturday night," Stick cautioned. The stakes are high, not just for pride but also because the Boks' number one ranking hangs in the balance.
"Ntamack is a world-class player and I know how they missed him in 2023,"
France isn't holding back either, sticking mainly with their World Cup squad. Their significant change is the return of Romain Ntamack at No 10, who missed the 2023 clash due to injury. "But if you look at the players around the flyhalf, they are world-class. Thomas Ramos is an exceptional fullback, and both wings – Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey – are deadly finishers," Stick noted.
The French team is expected to maintain a relentless pace, aiming to keep the ball in play and the game tempo high. "It is going to be a tough one, but we have the right squad to handle this game," Stick assured.
"We will do our best to keep our people proud at home."
As the Boks gear up for the clash, spirits are high, especially as they prepare to honor Siya Kolisi on his 100th cap for South Africa. The team will don their white kit in a symbolic gesture of unity and determination. With the match kicking off at 10:10 PM South Africa time, Stick hopes the nation will feel their fighting spirit, promising, "They must know that we will do our best for them."
As the stage is set for another epic showdown at the Stade de France, both teams are lining up with their best, ready to etch another memorable chapter in their storied rivalry.