Rassie Erasmus has set his Springboks the task of dismantling what he describes as a lingering negative perception when they take on France in Paris on Friday night.
The world champions conceded just five penalties in their 66-7 victory over Italy last weekend, a performance Erasmus believes can help shift the narrative around South Africa's approach to the game. Speaking from the team hotel in Paris, the Bok boss acknowledged the challenge of changing how referees, coaches and pundits view his side.
"It takes time for coaches, referees and pundits to believe we are not just this physical team who just wants to bully the opposition into submission," Erasmus said. "We believe that we are a tactical team with a kicking game and a running game, with a well-disciplined level-change when it comes to tackling. We try to avoid getting shoulder charges in. It's tough to shrug that reputation off, but again, last week's performance helps."
France selection intrigue
The Springboks will face a France side severely depleted at fly-half, with Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos all unavailable. Fabien Galthie has called in reinforcements including Axel Desperes, Louis Carbonel and Louis Le Brun, though reports in France suggest scrum-half Maxime Lucu remains the leading contender for the number 10 jersey.
Erasmus, however, predicted a different selection. "It will be Lucu or the 13," he said after naming his matchday squad. "I've just got a feeling that they are going to play a more physical game. I'm not sure that if they play Lucu there, they will get the physicality that they want."
The Bok boss also dismissed any notion of complacency despite France's injury crisis, noting that South Africa have faced similar selection dilemmas in the past. His side are chasing a third consecutive victory over Les Bleus at the Stade de France, having won there during last year's Nations Series and in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
Dupont danger
South Africa remain wary of France captain Antoine Dupont's influence, with Erasmus and his coaching staff expecting a hostile environment and a physical challenge at scrum time and from the mauls. The match, refereed by Andrea Piardi, who officiated the Boks' clash with Australia in Perth earlier this season, will test whether Erasmus's emphasis on discipline can withstand the intensity of a Paris cauldron.
For the Springboks, Friday night represents an opportunity to reinforce the tactical and disciplined identity Erasmus is determined to establish, even as they prepare for one of the most physically demanding fixtures on the international calendar.