Traditionally, France’s XV announces its squad Two days before the matches. South Africa will challenge the Blues on Saturday Marseille, tied its 23 players on Tuesday. Holder fell behind in the world champions’ defeat (19-16) in Ireland last Saturday. Toulonnaise Cheslin Kolbe Will return to his favorite position as a winger at the Vélodrome. Experienced Willy Le Roux (33) will start at number 15, while Makasol Mapimpi will slip to the bench.

Still in his thirties, scrum-half Faf de Klerk (31) will carry his surfer hair behind his pack from kick-off when he enters the game in Dublin. His rival Jaden Hendricks, the Ireland holder, leaves the group entirely, while versatile Damian Willemse is renewed in the opener despite an incredible performance. Opener Manny Libock, the only player in the group with zero selections, took his place on the bench.

De Jager is injured, Mostert Holder in the second row

South African coach Jacques Nienaber A number of changes were made to the pack, including the start of Franco Mostert in the second row alongside Eben Etzebat following an injury to Lud de Jager.

In the front row, Ireland holders left prop Steven Kitshoff and hooker Malcolm Marks have slipped to the bench, replaced by Ox Nche and Bonky Mbonambi respectively. In short, Neenaber made a lot of changes to surprise his rival Fabin Galthy as he chained up an 11th consecutive victory over Australia at the Stade de France (30-29) on Saturday.

South African team against France:

Le Roux – Kolbe, Kriel, de Allende, Arendse – (o) Willemse, (m) de Klerk – du Toit, Wiese, Kolisi (cap.) – Mostert, Etzebeth – Malherbe, Mbonambi, Nche.

Subs: Marks, Kitschoff, Koch, Ory, Smith, Reinach, Libbock, Mapimpi