This Saturday, a titanic rugby union clash is set to unfold in Paris as France host South Africa at the iconic Stade de France. This monumental Test match marks the first meeting between the two nations since their unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, a match that saw the Springboks end French hopes on home soil.
Match Details and How to Watch
The highly anticipated rematch is scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2025, with kick-off at 8.10pm GMT. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 8pm GMT, and a live stream is available via the discovery+ platform.
Team News and Key Selections
France have named a side with some intriguing selections, particularly in the front row. Inexperienced props Baptiste Erdocio and Regis Montagne are handed starts after making their debuts on the summer tour of New Zealand. With Antoine Dupont injured, Gael Fickou continues as captain. Another notable choice sees the exciting Mickael Guillard preferred to Gregory Alldritt at number eight. Replacement hooker Guillaume Cramont is in line to make his debut from a bench that features six forwards.
For South Africa, this match is a historic occasion for their leader, as Siya Kolisi earns his 100th cap for the Springboks. The team sheet shows Boan Venter starting at loosehead prop, replacing the injured Ox Nche. The return of Damian Willemse at fullback sees Cheslin Kolbe shift to his familiar right wing. In a significant call at fly-half, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is once again preferred over the experienced duo of Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard.
Confirmed Line-Ups
France XV: 1. Baptiste Erdocio, 2. Julien Marchand, 3. Regis Montagne; 4. Thibaud Flament, 5. Emmanuel Meafou; 6. Anthony Jelonch, 7. Paul Boudehent, 8. Mickael Guillard; 9. Nolann Le Garrec, 10. Romain Ntamack; 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12. Gael Fickou (capt.), 13. Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14. Damian Penaud; 15. Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: 16. Guillaume Cramont, 17. Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18. Dorian Aldegheri, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Hugo Auradou, 21. Oscar Jegou; 22. Maxime Lucu, 23. Nicolas Depoortere.
South Africa XV: 1. Boan Venter, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Thomas du Toit; 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Lood de Jager; 6. Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese; 9. Cobus Reinach, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Cheslin Kolbe; 15. Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Wilco Louw, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Ruan Nortje, 21. Andre Esterhuizen; 22. Grant Williams, 23. Manie Libbok.
