Rugby World Cup 2023 | Springboks v France: Antonie Claasen’s view

Speaking to The South African via WhatsApp video call from his home in the City of Lights, the former South African under-19 and France international Claasen gave his views ahead of Sunday evening’s monumental Rugby World Cup quarter-final showdown between the Springboks and France at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris.

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Durban-born Claasen is the son of former Springboks captain Wynand Claasen. Claasen attended Durban High School before being selected for the 2003 South African under-19 team. The ‘baby’ Boks beat New Zealand 22-18 to claim the junior World Cup in Paris. The team also featured future Springboks Bismark du Plessis and Ruan Pienaar. Du Plessis and Pienaar became Bok internationals and lifted the William Webb Ellis Trophy after beating England in the 2007 World Cup final at Stade de France.

Claasen: France and South Africa will be decided by ‘small details and small margins’ 

“This game is going to be about the small details and the small margins,” said the 38-year-old, who has lived in France for nearly 17 years and has recently completed an Executive MBA at HEC Paris. “I can’t call it,” Claasen added after a long pause. 

“The two sides are evenly matched. Both teams have a similar culture. Fabien Galthié has taken the blueprint from Rassie [Erasmus] and added an edge to France. They have a big squad, and everybody understands their role within that, and they play to their strengths. 

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“This generation of French players has self-belief. They believe they are the best side in the world because their mindset has shifted from a few years ago. The French are good up front, and their backline is on fire. 

“We speak a lot about ‘French flair’ – and they have found it again – but it’s going to be tight,” he reiterates. “The fact that the Stade de France will be packed with home support makes them favourites.”

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Claasen believes the Boks’ experience is vital to advance to the semi-finals. “South Africa stands up when the chips are down. The guys stand up, they have the mentality and the experience of having won the last World Cup.” 

However, he does worry about the goal-kicking in such a crucial game. Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has to decide to start Handré Pollard or Manie Libbok because Libbok’s kicking has been erratic. “We saw against Ireland,” he said. “If you don’t kick your points, you won’t beat the best teams in the world.” 

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Classen left South Africa and found success in France

Claasen, a loose forward, played for the Bulls before moving to Europe in 2007 to play for Brive. In 2012, he signed for French Top 14 club Castres Olympique, where he won the French Championship in 2013. Claasen’s sublime form led to a call-up to the French national team for the 2013 Six Nations. He played six Test matches for France, which included a tour to New Zealand and two Six Nations tournaments.

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A move to star-studded Racing 92 ensued, spearheaded by two-time World Cup-winner Dan Carter (who will be inducted in the 2023 World Rugby Hall of Fame alongside South Africa’s Bryan Habana the day after the final). More silverware followed in 2016 when Classen lifted the Bouchlier de Brennus for the second time with Racing before retiring in 2021.

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