France flyhalf Romain Ntamack relishing showdown with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

France flyhalf Romain Ntamack relishing showdown with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

The Toulouse flyhalf spoke glowingly about his opposite number for Saturday's massive clash in Paris, noting the impact the young Bok has already made on the Test scene - and the effect he appears to have on the players around him.

"He's very good; I watched him play during the Rugby Championship," Ntamack said.

"He's an additional weapon and also brings out the best in exceptional players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. We'll have to keep him and the others contained... Physically, it will be a very tough challenge."

Ntamack says France have learned to expect the unexpected from Rassie Erasmus and his Boks, and they've spent weeks ensuring they are better prepared for it this time around.

"We expect all sorts of innovations from the Springboks, but since we've all been together at the CNR, we've been trying to study them as much as possible so we're not caught off guard."

With aerial contests expected to be a defining part of the match, Les Bleus have been training heavily under the high ball - an area where South Africa traditionally dominate. Ntamack says France know they must meet that challenge head-on.

"We're trying to improve and find new ways to win aerial balls, an area that's all the more important when we're playing the Springboks, who excel in the air," he added.

"Being good under the high ball allows us to absorb the pressure and turn it around. It's an attacking weapon."

Ntamack was not part of the team that lost by one point to the Boks in the World Cup quarter-finals two years ago, but he didn't shy away from the fact that the result impacted  the French players

"I wasn't part of that World Cup quarter-final squad, but the trauma affected more than just the 23 players on the team sheet.

"Since then, all that has passed, and now we're focused on Saturday night's match."

Ntamack was also asked about his combination with Racing 92's Nolann Le Garrec, who will don the number nine jersey in the absence of Antoine Dupont.

"We've known each other for quite some time. We've been together a lot at training camps in Marcoussis, so we've developed a good understanding," Ntamack said.

"We just hope to lead the team as well as possible to help them beat South Africa at the Stade de France."

Related News

Deep thinking and tough calls: Rassie explains selection strategy for France showdown

Deep thinking and tough calls: Rassie explains selection strategy for France showdown

  • 2 hours ago

Rassie Erasmus says naming the Springbok side to face France was anything but straightforward, with rotation plans, tactical decisions, and some key absences shaping a number of tight selection calls.

Wallabies legend George Gregan pours cold water on Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour

Wallabies legend George Gregan pours cold water on Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour

  • 1 hour ago

Former Australia scrumhalf George Gregan is counting the losses following the unveiling of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

Springboks v France preview: Siya Kolisi brings up his century as Les Blues seek revenge

Springboks v France preview: Siya Kolisi brings up his century as Les Blues seek revenge

  • 2 hours ago

One of the most anticipated Test matches of the year is set to take place between France and South Africa at Stade de France on Saturday.

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

  • 21 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.