'I think they are still carrying a lot of hurt,' says Bok No.8 Jasper Wiese

'I think they are still carrying a lot of hurt,' says Bok No.8 Jasper Wiese

France will be looking to exorcise the ghosts of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal that are still floating around Stade de France this weekend.

"I think they are still carrying a lot of hurt, and as you can see, they have come out and said they want to avenge that defeat, so it's going to be a good challenge," said Wiese.

"They experienced genuine hurt after the World Cup, so I think we can expect them to be very emotional and up for this game. If there is one game we have to be very up for, it is this game."

Wiese is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits the Boks in the forward department, where France has some incredibly large athletes. But for the man they call the Kalahari Pain Train, he's eagerly anticipating the battle.

"France have made a statement in the last couple of years with their physicality and how big they are, and I think Saturday will be the same again, with two big packs colliding," he continued.

"From a forward perspective, we know what to expect from them. They are big boys, and they are going to try and bully you, while they also have flair in their backline, so as a forward, it will be important to stop their momentum. Obviously, the backs have a different job to do.

"We analysed them well this week, and that's definitely where it could come down to."

The Springboks have won nine out of their last ten matches at the Stade de France.

Related News

Siya Kolisi to celebrate 100th cap as Springboks bring out the big guns for France

Siya Kolisi to celebrate 100th cap as Springboks bring out the big guns for France

  • 5 hours ago

Rassie Erasmus has named a familiar and formidable line-up to do battle with France in Paris on Saturday, on a day when Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will celebrate his 100th appearance in the green and gold.

France coach springs surprise captain to face all-conquering Boks in Paris

France coach springs surprise captain to face all-conquering Boks in Paris

  • 6 hours ago

France head coach Fabien Galthie has dropped his captain and named Gael Fickou as the leader of the matchday 23 to face the Springboks in Paris on Saturday.

Marcus Thuram makes Inter Milan comeback after injury

Marcus Thuram makes Inter Milan comeback after injury

  • 7 hours ago

Inter Milan reignited their Champions League charge on Wednesday night as Marcus Thuram made a long-awaited return from injury to inspire a tense 2-1 victory over Kairat Almaty at San Siro.

Former French lock urges Le Bleus to front up to the Springboks in Paris

Former French lock urges Le Bleus to front up to the Springboks in Paris

  • 1 day ago

South African-born former France international Paul Willemse believes Les Bleus need to try bto ully the Springboks' forwards to gain the upper hand at Stade de France.