France vs South Africa: Former Springboks Forward Expects Individuals to Make the Difference

• The Springboks take on France in an intense and highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final
• Former Springbok Schalk Brits has weighed in with his opinion of which facets will be key
• France are not concerned about Antoine Dupont's facial injury as he has been cleared to play

With every passing hour, the tension builds towards Sunday night.

Reigning world champions, South Africa take on hosts France at the Stade de France, with generational consequences.

Les Bleus have been grooming this squad to be their first-ever winners of the competition, while the pack of Boks aims to match their old rivals' back-to-back success.

Former Springbok forward, Schalk Brits has given his analysis of what will define the clash.

He admitted to having loved watching the two teams over the past few years and said it was regrettable that such a quality tie came so early in the competition.

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In an interview published by Planet Rugby, Brits stated the importance of keeping pace from the onset.

"Staying with them in that first half, or even first quarter, is the biggest challenge. If either side gets into two-score margin situations, turning the match around from there will be almost impossible."

The 2019 World Cup winner has put his faith in the forwards, acknowledging the talent of the French, but expecting his former teammates to deliver.

"Duane Vermeulen is coming back to his very best. We have some incredible locks, and starting Franco Mostert with the ability to bring RG Snyman on is a key point of difference for us."

French talisman, Antoine Dupont has been a point contention throughout the week. In the days before the contest, questions have been raised about the wisdom of playing the scrumhalf so soon after his injury.

RugbyPass quoted Dupont's teammate, Gregory Alldritt expressing confidence when he said:

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"We know that in rugby if you touch the head, it’s a red card. [Dupont] saw his surgeon who gave him the green light."

France vs South Africa too close to call

Sports Brief recently compiled a preview of the titanic World Cup tussle that awaits France and South Africa.

It may be an unfamiliar position for the Springboks, but they come into this quarter-final as slight underdogs.

Making a decision is as good as a coin toss and making a prediction comes with an element of heart over mind.