Libbok on the bench for France clash

Libbok comes into the match-day 23 as the coaching unit looks to bolster up options at flyhalf, but more importantly goal kicking options after both Damien Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe misfired from the tee in Dublin on Saturday.

Willie le Roux starts at fullback while Makazole Mapimpi shifts to the bench with Kolbe moving to wing. Faf de Klerk will start at scrumhalf in the other change to the backline.

Amongst the forwards, Franco Mostert comes in at lock for Lood de Jager with Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi starting in the front row at loose-head prop and hooker respectively.

“One of the changes was injury enforced as Lood suffered a shoulder injury against Ireland, while we opted to make a few tactical personnel changes for the challenge that we expect France to pose,” said Nienaber.

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“We know what each of the players in this squad can do, and we thought these combinations fit this specific game.

“A guy like Cobus will also bring a different dimension to our attack, and it a bonus that he knows the conditions in France and has also played with some of their players.”

The Springboks haven’t played France since 2018 and will move away from the traditions Paris showdown and play at Toulon’s home ground in Marseille.

With all focus geared towards the World Cup next year, Nienaber knows a win this weekend will given them some crucial motivation.

“France have showed in the last year what a force they can be, and they come off a morale-boosting victory against Australia, so we know we are in for,” said Nienaber.

“Facing France, who are ranked second in the world, on their home patch at what we expect will be a full stadium is great preparation for next year, as the players will experience first-hand what they are in for.

“We will also be playing at this stadium during the World Cup, so this match will be good for us in many ways.”

Kick off in the south of France on Saturday is 10pm South African Time.

Springbok team to face France in Marseille:

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements:

16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Makazole Mapimpi.