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France vs South Africa Preview & Tips - France to knock South Africa off their pedestal

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Ben Darvill
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  • France beat South Africa 30-26 in their last November international clash 
  • The last four meetings between the sides have been decided with a 1-12 point margin
  • Preview, stats & head to head 
Louis Bielle-Biarrey of France (Getty Images)
Louis Bielle-Biarrey of France (Getty Images)
  • France vs South Africa Preview & Tips
  • Head To Head
  • France Form 
  • South Africa Form

France vs South Africa Preview & Tips


France arrive for their first November international on the back of a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand in July as their experimental outfit was swatted aside. 

South Africa were too good for Japan as they notched a 61-7 win over their opponents to make it four consecutive international wins. 

  • France beat South Africa 29-28 when they last played in a November international 
  • The last four meetings between the sides have seen the winning margin stand at between 1-12 points 

Head To Head


France have won one of their last 10 against South Africa, with the Springboks winning the other nine. 

France Form 


France are looking for a statement win in their opening November international as they take on the double world champions and world number one side. 

The French may have succumbed to a 3-0 loss to New Zealand across July, but this is not a series that is a true reflection of the side. Most of their top players were missing, while a tour of any side is tough, and to go and take on the All Blacks with an under-strength side is not a mission that will end well for many sides. 

Prior to their trio of defeats to New Zealand, France were able to secure 10 wins in their previous 12, while they have won their last six home games, beating England, Japan, New Zealand, Argentina, Wales and Scotland. 

There are a few areas in which I worry for France heading into this one. South Africa's pack is the best in the world, meaning France will get a real test at the set-piece. The French have not played a Test since July, while the main base of their team has not played together since their 35-16 win over Scotland in the Six Nations back in March. 

Finally, Antoine Dupont is still missing. While France are blessed with world class players and excellent replacements at nine, Dupont is the best player in the game, and he will be sorely missed. Despite this, I back a very strong French side to hand South Africa their first loss since they were beaten by New Zealand in early September. France have a strong pack, and if they can gain a foot-hold in the game and give front-foot ball to their backs, they can stretch South Africa to the limit. 

South Africa Form


South Africa looked good against Japan in their last game as they warmed up for their outing this week with a 61-7 win. 

Nine tries to Japan's one saw the Springboks put on a try-scoring clinic, while they looked strong in defence too. Their latest win has seen South Africa ease to four consecutive wins, with victories over New Zealand, Argentina twice and Japan meaning they arrive for this one in good form. 

While the quality of opponent jumps up heading into this one, South Africa will also need to find a way to ignore what has become a real grudge match for the French. The home side still feel aggrieved that South Africa knocked them out of their own World Cup in 2023 on the way to the title. Now, the French will want revenge. 

I predict that this will be a very close game, with the last four meetings ending with a winning margin of 1-12 points. The two sides are incredibly well matched, but I predict that home advantage will tell in France's opening November Test match.

Verdict

I am backing France to win by 1-12 points in a game that lives up to the hype as two of the best sides in the men's game go head to head. 

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