France vs South Africa: Comparing the Men in the Backline Who Hold the Keys to Victory

• The Springboks and France have selected their line ups for an enthralling quarter-final
• South Africa have chosen Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok over Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard
• France have gone with the bulk of the team that started and beat the All Blacks in the opener

The teams lining up for France and South Africa on Sunday night have an embarrassment of riches.

The confidence will grow in each pack as they look around themselves to see a swelling of talent in each position.

Every slot on a rugby field brings a unique task, and here we take a look at the key cogs in these match-winning machines.

At fullback, Damian Willemse starts for the Boks while Thomas Ramos lines up for France at the other end.

Willemse has a presence under the high-ball and is a strong runner, but Ramos is impeccable from the tee while ticking those same boxes.

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In midfield, Jesse Kriel partners Damian de Allende for the South Africa. They will be up against Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty.

Kriel is likely picked due to Lukhanyo Am's omission, while Fickou is one of the first names on Fabien Galthie's team sheet.

Danty is as destructive a ball-carrier as De Allende but the Capetonian has a slightly more refined overall game.

Out wide, France's Damien Penaud is one of the best wingers in the world. Kurt-Lee Arendse may burn him for pace but Penaud's experience will deprive him of the necessary space.

On the opposite flank, Cheslin Kolbe's situation is the same against the inexperienced Louis Bielle-Biarrey. However, in either cases, youth could spring an upset.

The scrumhalves and flyhalves dictate the pace of play, and in Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert, France have metronomic playmakers.

Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok are not far away but they lack the chemistry of their opponents.

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Wisdom from a former champ

Sports Brief recently reported on a former Springbok and World Cup winner's thoughts on the crunch quarter-final.

Schalk Brits express his respect of both teams and said it was regrettable that such a quality tie came so early in the competition.

He has put his faith in the Springbok forwards, acknowledging the talent of the French, but expecting his former teammates to deliver.