This weekend’s set of Test rugby fixtures will undoubtedly be highlighted by the blockbuster battle between the Springboks and France on Saturday, which will kick off at 22:20 (SA time), but there are a number of other fixtures to take note of.
On either side of the clash in Paris, there are also several other appetising Test battles, with Ireland kicking off a ‘Super Saturday’ with a clash against Japan in Dublin.
This will be followed by contest between Scotland and New Zealand, while England take on Fiji and Italy host Australia all before the Springboks head into battle.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Wales tackle Argentina in a clash that concludes a busy weekend of action.
Kick off times for six big Tests this weekend
Saturday, 7 November
Ireland vs Japan – Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 14:40 (SA time)
Scotland vs New Zealand – Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh – 17:10
England vs Fiji – Twickenham Stadium, London – 19:40
Italy vs Australia – Bluenergy Stadium, Udine – 19:40
France vs South Africa – Stade de France, Paris – 22:10
Sunday, 8 November
Wales v Argentina – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – 17:10
South Africa and France set for 2023 RWC quarter-final rematch
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones said it would undoubtedly be a massive challenge against a France team that is expected to look very different to the squad that suffered a series defeat against the All Blacks in July.
“They are a huge threat – their entire pack, in general, is tough, and they have several quality players to select from.
“They’ve built a lot of depth there in the last few years, so we are expecting this match to be as big a battle as it was against them in 2022 and 2023.”
Of the team the Boks expected to face, he said: “Fabien Galthié (France head coach) has taken players who are lesser known on tour for their summer series a few times, and that’s a great exercise in building depth. But for this game, we are expecting them to select a different side.”
Meanwhile, Springbok hooker Johan Grobbelaar said he was excited about the prospect of possibly being selected to face France this weekend, and said if he were to play, it would be one of the most competitive matches he has participated in.
“It would be a massive opportunity for me to play this weekend, and since I don’t have a lot of Test caps, it will be one of my biggest games yet,” said Grobbelaar. “This is my first time in Paris, and to be here with players of this quality is awesome. I think it’s going to be a massive battle.”
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