France Faces South Africa in High-Stakes Rugby Rematch at Stade de France

On November 8, 2025, the French rugby team, the XV de France, will face South Africa at the Stade de France in a highly anticipated rematch since their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final encounter. The upcoming clash is charged with tension and significance, serving as a benchmark for both teams as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup (134899, 134896).

French coach Fabien Galthié highlighted the evolution of his team, emphasizing that experience gained from the intense World Cup loss has driven the squad's development. France has adopted a more offensive strategy focusing on extended ball possession and attacking play. While maintaining a core group of seasoned players, Galthié has also integrated rising talents like Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Mickaël Guillard to strengthen the squad’s future prospects (134899).

However, the French side will not be at full strength, missing several key players including Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Gabin Villière. The team features some younger, less experienced players, such as two props with only two caps each, Erdocio and Montagne, increasing the challenge against a formidable South African squad (134896). The squad named for the autumn tests includes 42 players, with only one change from previous preparations: Grégoire Arfeuil replaces Kalvin Gourgues. After the South Africa match, the team will face Fiji on November 15 in Bordeaux (134903).

South Africa, under coach Rassie Erasmus, remains the dominant force in world rugby, boasting 19 victories in their last 23 matches, including a recent significant win against New Zealand. Galthié described the Springboks as potentially the greatest rugby team in history, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge for the French team to prove their progress on home soil (134899, 134896).

This match symbolizes both a chance for redemption and a test of how far France has come since the 2023 World Cup, with hopes to showcase a more dynamic and confident playing style against one of the sport’s most formidable opponents.