rassie erasmus springboks progress

South Africa’s Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus gestures during the Rugby Championship 2018 test match against Argentina, at Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza, some 1050 km west of Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Andres Larrovere

France vs South Africa: Stats breakdown, head-to-head, previous meetings, last time out

We are counting down to the big clash between France and South Africa.

rassie erasmus springboks progress

South Africa’s Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus gestures during the Rugby Championship 2018 test match against Argentina, at Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza, some 1050 km west of Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Andres Larrovere

South Africa turn their attention to Paris, where they will be squaring off against France at the Stade de France on Saturday night.

It’s the Springboks’ second November international, following the defeat to England at Twickenham last week, while for Les Bleus, it’s beginning of a new season.

The match kicks off at 22:05 (SAST), and here are a few stats and facts ahead of the big clash.

France vs South Africa: Teams and officials

France

Backs: Maxime Medard, Teddy Thomas, Mathieu Bastareaud, Geoffrey Doumayrou, Damian Penaud, Camille Lopez, Baptiste Serin.

Forwards: Louis Picamoles, Arthur Iturria, Wenceslas Lauret, 5. Yoann Maestri, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Cedate Gomes, Guilhem Guirado (captain), Jefferson Poirot.

Replacements: Camille Chat, Dany Priso, Rabah Slimani, Paul Gabrillagues, Mathieu Babillot, Antoine Dupont, Anthony Belleau, Gael Fickou, Gael Fickou.

Coach: Jacques Brunel

South Africa

Backs: Willie le Roux, S’bu Nkosi, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk.

Forwards: Warren Whiteley, Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Francois Louw, Embrose Papier, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe.

Coach: Rassie Erasmus

Match officials

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Assistant referees: Matthew Carley, Tom Foley (both England)

TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)

How the teams stack up in terms of experience

The return of Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk brings some much-needed experience to the Springboks backline, something which was missing in the match against England.

The total number of Test caps in the visitors’ starting XV is 444, with 191 in the backline and 253 among the big men up front.

Les Bleus pip the Boks when it comes to experience among the forwards, with their pack boasting 270 caps between them, while a collective 159 Test appearances in the backline brings their overall tally to 429.

France vs South Africa: Head to head

The two countries have clashed 43 times in total with South Africa winning 26 of those encounters, with Les Bleus registering just 11 victories.

Six matches between these two have ended in draws, the last of which came 13 years ago in Durban.

At the Stade de France, the Springboks have played eight times, four against the hosts, with both teams grabbing two wins apiece.

What happened the last time out?

The Springboks will want to emulate the feat they pulled off last time they faced France last time they travelled to the same venue, where they edged the hosts 18-17 almost a year to the day.

On that occasion, both sides scored two tries apiece, with Anthony Belleau and Baptiste Serin crossing over for the hosts, while Jesse Kriel and Dyllin Leyds provided South Africa’s five-pointers.

Last 10 encounters

2017: South Africa won 18-17, Paris

2017: South Africa won 35-12, Johannesburg

2017: South Africa won 37-15, Durban

2017: South Africa won 37-14, Pretoria

2013: South Africa won 19-10, Paris

2010: South Africa won 42-17, Cape Town

2009: France won 20-13, Toulouse

2006: France won 36-26, Cape Town

2005: France won 26-20, Paris

2005: South Africa won 27-13, Port Elizabeth

France vs South Africa in Paris

2017: South Africa won 18-17

2013: South Africa won 19-10

2005: France won 26-20

2001: France won 20-10