The highly anticipated rugby Test match between the Springboks and France is set to be a highlight of the 2025 Test season, carrying immense significance on multiple fronts. Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at the iconic Stade de France in Saint-Denis, the match kicks off at 22:10 SAST. This encounter is not merely a Test but a 'rematch' of the thrilling 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, where the Springboks narrowly triumphed 29-28 at the very same venue, en route to lifting the trophy for a second consecutive time.

The fixture marks significant milestones for the South African contingent. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will achieve the remarkable feat of becoming the ninth Springbok centurion, playing his 100th Test match since his debut in 2013. Additionally, head coach Rassie Erasmus will guide the team in his 50th Test, boasting an impressive win record of 73.4% during his tenure. The last Springbok to reach the 100-Test milestone was Willie le Roux in July.

Both teams have announced strong lineups for the battle. France will field Tomas Ramos at fullback, with Damien Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the wings, and Pierre-Louis Barassi alongside Gaël Fickou in the centres. Romain Ntamack starts at flyhalf with Nolann le Garrec at scrumhalf. The forward pack includes Mickaël Guillard, Paul Boudehent, Anthony Jelonch, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Régis Montagne, Julien Marchand, and Baptiste Erdocio. Their bench features a six-two split of forwards and backs: Guillaume Cramont, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou, Maxime Lucu, and Nicolas Depoortère.

The Springboks' starting XV features Damian Willemse at fullback, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wings, and Jesse Kriel partnering Damian de Allende in the midfield. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts at flyhalf with Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf. The forwards comprise Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, captain Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Boan Venter. Notably, eleven players in the Springbok matchday squad, including the entire backline (except Feinberg-Mngomezulu), participated in the 2023 RWC quarter-final against France. The replacements are Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Ruan Nortje, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, and Manie Libbok. The Springbok starting lineup boasts a total of 924 Test caps, with 362 in the backline and 562 among the forwards, plus an additional 177 caps on the bench.

Adding intrigue to the build-up, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has denied engaging in "mind games" despite actively following France on X and accurately predicting their starting XV. Erasmus clarified that his social media posts, including details on team weights and caps, are intended to provide South African supporters with deeper insight into the team. Meanwhile, France has reportedly resorted to private training sessions, hinting at their wariness of the opposition.

Historically, the Springboks hold a strong record against France, having won 28 of their 46 encounters, with 12 losses and 6 draws, boasting a 61% win rate. In Paris specifically, the Springboks have won their last four matches against Les Bleus, a streak dating back to 2013. France last secured a victory against South Africa in the French capital in 2005.

Beyond the rivalry, the match holds significant implications for the World Rugby rankings. South Africa currently enjoys a 1.20-point advantage at the top. The Springboks are guaranteed to retain their number one spot if they secure at least a draw against France, or even if they lose, provided New Zealand also loses to Scotland for the first time in history. A dominant Springbok victory (by more than 15 points) combined with a significant New Zealand loss could see South Africa extend their lead to nearly five points. Conversely, if the Springboks are defeated and New Zealand maintains their strong record against Scotland, the All Blacks could reclaim the top spot they last held in October 2023.

For France, a victory could see them climb two places to third in the rankings. A bonus-point win (by more than 15 points) coupled with a New Zealand loss could even propel them to second place, a position they haven't held since October 2023. Other major Test matches this weekend, including Ireland vs Japan, Scotland vs New Zealand, England vs Fiji, and Italy vs Australia, will also contribute to numerous ranking permutations across the top 10 and beyond, affecting positions for teams like Scotland, Argentina, Fiji, Australia, Italy, Wales, Georgia, Uruguay, Portugal, Samoa, Brazil, Romania, Canada, and Namibia, with some potentially reaching historic highs or lows. Even four additional international matches across various Rugby Europe competitions will contribute to ranking points.