The Springboks are preparing for Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu to interchange positions dynamically throughout the match due to their club experience at both halfback roles. Siya Kolisi reiterated that South Africa's preparation remains unchanged regardless of opponent adjustments, acknowledging Dupont's past success at flyhalf for Toulouse. This fixture marks the teams' first meeting in Paris since South Africa's narrow 29-28 World Cup quarter-final triumph in 2023. Furthermore, the Springboks enter the contest boasting an undefeated record in Paris spanning five tests dating back to 2005.
Key points
South Africa will maintain their standard defensive framework rather than designing custo…: South Africa will maintain their standard defensive framework rather than designing custom schemes for individual French players.
The Springboks anticipate natural in-game positional rotation between French halfbacks An…: The Springboks anticipate natural in-game positional rotation between French halfbacks Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu.
South Africa carries significant historical momentum into Paris, having remained complete…: South Africa carries significant historical momentum into Paris, having remained completely unbeaten in the city since 2005.
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Nov 12 : South Africa have no special plans to counter Antoine Dupont at flyhalf in their Nations Championship game with France in Paris on Friday and back their defence to deny the mercurial playmaker the space to play, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said.
An injury to Romain Ntamack will see Dupont take over the number 10 jersey, with the livewire Maxime Lucu at scrumhalf.
Both players are more used to the number nine jersey but have featured at flyhalf for their clubs and South Africa expect them to switch between positions during the game.
“He's (Dupont) played at 10 before for his club (Toulouse), and we saw the game where he played there. He was very good,” Kolisi told reporters on Thursday.
“I mean, he can play almost anywhere on the field, so I don't think it is a surprise (to see him there).
"Obviously, nobody wants injuries, but every team experiences them and you have to adjust. He's a good enough player to do it. He's shown that over the years."
Law enforcement authorities in the United Arab Emirates took multiple individuals into custody on Thursday following a violent altercation. The physical confrontation occurred at a local hotel and involved affiliates associated with the former UFC bantamweight division. Officials intervened immediately to secure the scene and detain those responsible for the disruption.
Emergency units deployed in force across the nation's capital to secure the perimeter following an eruption of gunfire. Authorities confirmed a fatality as they worked to contain the immediate danger and assess the scene. The ongoing security operation left the surrounding community on alert while officials initiated their preliminary investigation.
The fatal on-field collision of a Spanish striker prompted the former Italy defender to express gratitude that his own body withstood the notorious blow in the 2006 World Cup final. Nearly two decades after the clash, the physical and personal fallout continues to trouble the Italian player. The renewed reflections surface just as the national teams of both former opponents prepare for an upcoming international meeting.