Springboks team v France: Louw starts, kick-off 22:10 Friday
Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to the Springbok team for Friday's Test against France in Paris, with Wilco Louw starting and Cobus Reinach on the bench. Kick-off is 22:10 SAST on SuperSport.
Rassie Erasmus named the Springbok team on Monday, 9 November 2026, for Friday's Nations Championship Test against France in Paris, making only two changes to the match-23 that beat Italy 66-7 in Turin (SA Rugby). Wilco Louw starts at tighthead prop and Cobus Reinach comes onto the bench. Kick-off is at 22:10 SA time and the match is live on SuperSport (SA Rugby).
When and where do the Springboks play France?
| Detail | Information | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Match | France v South Africa, Nations Championship | SA Rugby |
| Date | Friday, 13 November 2026 | SA Rugby |
| Kick-off | 22:10 SAST | SA Rugby |
| Venue | Stade de France, Paris | SA Rugby |
| Where to watch | Live on SuperSport | SA Rugby |
Who is in the Springbok team to face France?
| No. | Player | No. | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Damian Willemse | 8 | Jasper Wiese |
| 14 | Kurt-Lee Arendse | 7 | Pieter-Steph du Toit |
| 13 | Jesse Kriel | 6 | Siya Kolisi (captain) |
| 12 | Damian de Allende | 5 | Ruan Nortje |
| 11 | Ethan Hooker | 4 | Lood de Jager |
| 10 | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | 3 | Wilco Louw |
| 9 | Morne van den Berg | 2 | Malcolm Marx |
| 1 | Ox Nche |
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok (SA Rugby).
What changed from the Italy Test?
Louw moves from the bench to start alongside Nche and Marx, with Thomas du Toit dropping to the replacements. Reinach, who played club rugby for Montpellier and covers scrumhalf and wing, replaces Grant Williams on the bench (SA Rugby). The backline is unchanged and the bench keeps its split of six forwards and two backs.
"We said from the outset that we would not rotate too much on this tour, so it was always our intention to select a settled squad for this game to build momentum in the competition," Erasmus said (SA Rugby).
Why is Eben Etzebeth not playing?
Etzebeth was called up to the touring squad after flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed flew home with a sore shoulder (SuperSport). He arrived in France early on Monday and is not in the match-23. Erasmus said it would be better for him "to get back into the swing of things this week after some time on the sidelines" (SA Rugby).
What is the Springboks' record against France?
| Record | Figure |
|---|---|
| Played | 47 |
| Won | 29 |
| Lost | 12 |
| Drawn | 6 |
| Win rate | 61.7% |
The Springboks have won their last five Tests against France in Paris, dating back to 2013, and France last beat them in Paris in 2005 (SA Rugby). Kolisi will captain the Boks for the 70th time.
What is at stake?
The Boks lead the Southern Hemisphere pool of the Nations Championship, and France lead the Northern Hemisphere standings, so both teams are chasing a place in the final (SA Rugby). After France, the Springboks play Ireland in Dublin in their last league game before Finals Weekend in London (SuperSport).
For last weekend's result, see Springboks beat Italy 66-7 in Turin.
FAQ
What time is the Springboks v France match?
Kick-off is at 22:10 SAST on Friday, 13 November 2026, at the Stade de France in Paris.
Where can I watch Springboks v France in South Africa?
SA Rugby says the Test is broadcast live on SuperSport.
Is Eben Etzebeth playing against France?
No. He joined the squad in France on Monday and Rassie Erasmus left him out of the match-23 to give him time to get back into the swing of things.