As Springbok rematch looms, France admit scars from World Cup heartbreak still linger

Speaking to Rugbyrama ahead of the rematch with the back-to-back world champions, Arlettaz admitted that the heartbreaking one-point World Cup quarter-final defeat to South Africa still lingers within the French psyche.

France felt a few key decisions went against them, and it has created a sense of resentment that still lingers.

"There was sadness, frustration and maybe a sense of injustice," he said. "It's still a scar for everyone, myself included, but [a defeat] we have to build on to become better."

While Arlettaz insists the 2023 defeat will not define this week's encounter, he conceded that "the desire to beat them is very strong - absolutely."

Despite several frontline absences forcing France to reshuffle their combinations, he maintained that the squad has no fear of being physically dominated.

"We believe we can match them physically," he said. "We don't have the same preparation time, but that only fuels our hunger.

"The Springboks kick between 15 and 17 high balls per match – that's more than scrums, and about the same as lineouts. We can't ignore that. We've spent real time on it."

That mental and tactical preparation has been a major focus under head coach Fabien Galthie – a point reinforced by former France lock Paul Willemse, who revealed that the squad had even watched Chasing the Sun to deepen their understanding of the Springboks and Rassie Erasmus.

"We watched Chasing the Sun to know who we are dealing with," he said. "Galthie said South Africa is one of the best teams in the world and is doing incredible things. We need to be able to learn from them."

Willemse, who missed the World Cup quarter-final clash through injury and has since retired, admitted the defeat still cuts deep for both players and supporters.

"The World Cup defeat against the Boks was like a stab to the heart," he admitted. "It's definitely a revenge game. The people haven't forgotten it at all. They don't care much about other things. They're just looking for that win, the consolation win, over South Africa."