Springboks Announce Team to Face France, Feinberg-Mngomezulu to Debut at Flyhalf
Saint-Denis, France – The South African Springboks have announced thier starting lineup for Saturday’s highly anticipated match against France at the Stade de France, marking a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. key players Cobus Reinach adn Siya Kolisi will return to the starting XV, while 23-year-old Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will make his run-on debut at flyhalf.
The announcement, delayed from Monday to Thursday by coach Rassie Erasmus, reveals a largely familiar Springbok squad with several veterans from their 2023 World Cup-winning team. This match carries significant weight as both nations prepare for future competitions, offering a crucial opportunity to assess player form and tactical approaches. The Springboks aim to avenge their narrow one-point defeat to France in the 2023 world Cup quarterfinal, a loss that fueled their subsequent championship run.
The starting XV features Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, alongside experienced backs Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. The forward pack includes stalwarts Eben etzebeth,Pieter-Steph du Toit,and captain Kolisi. Ox Nche is unavailable due to a leg injury sustained during the match against Japan last weekend, with Boan Venter taking his place at loosehead prop.
The Springbok starting lineup is as follows:
- Willie le Roux
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Jesse Kriel
- damian de Allende
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Cobus Reinach
- Jasper Wiese
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Siya Kolisi (Captain)
- Lood de Jager
- Eben Etzebeth
- Frans Steenekamp
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Boan Venter
Substitutes:
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Steven Kitshoff
- Marvin Orie
- Jean Kleyn
- Marco van Staden
- Grant Esterhuizen
- manie Libbok
- Herschel Jantjies
