SOUTH AFRICA meet Rugby World Cup hosts France in Sunday’s quarter-final showdown between two titans.
The Springboks came through Pool B relatively easily – only losing once to pool-toppers Ireland – and look in good nick.
AFPFrance’s scrum-half and captain Antoine Dupont takes part in a training session today[/caption]
France powered to the top of Pool A with a perfect four-in-four record – beating three-time champions New Zealand in their opener.
Les Bleus romped to a 96-0 victory against minnows Namibia before dismantling the Italians 60-7 on Friday in their final two pool games.
But Jacques Nienaber’s Boks will also come to the Stade de France in a red-hot form – having pummelled Romania 76-0 and running through Tonga 49-18 on Sunday.
When is France vs South Africa?
France’s World Cup encounter against South Africa is set to take place on Sunday, October 15.Kick off is set to get underway at 8pm BST.The allocated venue, the Stade de France in Paris, can hold 80,000 fans.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
France vs South Africa will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1.Coverage will begin 7:15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.Fans can also stream the entire match live on ITVX.Alternatively, follow SunSport’s blog for minute-by-minute coverage including pre-match and post-match reaction.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
Fans can watch France vs South Africa for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
What is the team news?
Antoine Dupont, France’s talisman and captain, has been out of action since suffering a broken cheekbone in the game against Namibia on September 21.
But Dupont, 26, was cleared for full training on Monday and the hosts will hope to have him fit by Sunday’s crunch clash.
France attack coach William Servat said: “Antoine is doing very well, he needed to recuperate.
“Wednesday he was even more involved. He’s back with us and he’s very active in training.”
The scrum-half is expected to be named in the XV but hooker Julien Marchand looks likely to miss out due to a hamstring injury.
Head coach Fabien Galthie is scheduled to name his team for the game on Friday.
While the Springboks have been announcing their XV four days in advance, Nienaber has decided to push his team announcement back to Friday.
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said: “The decision to delay the team naming is without a doubt tactical.
“With both Handre [Pollard] and Manie [Libbok] being available, and Lukhanyo [Am] fully fit, we have sort of made up our minds.
“We want to see what the French team looks like too. That also might have an influence on us going seven-one or six-two.”
What are the latest odds?
Ireland to win 8/11Draw 14/1New Zealand to win 6/5
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at time of publication
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