Boks admit where ‘it’s going to get tricky’ against 'best in the world'

South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has admitted France’s new-look half-back pairing is where things could “get tricky” for the Springboks at the Stade de France on Friday.

France have been forced to move Antoine Dupont to fly-half following an injury crisis at No.10, with regular scrum-half Maxime Lucu starting inside him for their Nations Championship clash with the world champions.

But rather than viewing the reshuffle as a weakness, South Africa are preparing for Dupont and Lucu to regularly interchange as France attempt to compensate for the absence of Romain Ntamack and their other leading fly-half options.

Stick believes giving the pair time and space could expose the Springboks, particularly with the pace France possess outside them.

“When it comes to physicality, we know one thing for sure, France will always bring it,” he said.

“They’ve got very good physical players, especially among their forwards, but No 9 and No 10 is where it’s going to get tricky.

“I have no doubt that even though Dupont will be wearing the No 10 jersey, he’s going to have licence to do whatever he wants between the two positions.

“Remember that Lucu has also covered 10 in the past, so between the two of them there’ll be freedom to keep swapping in general play. You’ll probably see Dupont at the breakdowns at No 9, and Lucu at first receiver at times. So, we know what they want to achieve.

“That said if we allow that halfback combination time and space with ball in hand, they have the potential to punish us, so our main focus point is to make sure we don’t allow that. They also have very dangerous outside backs, and they’ve selected very quick players.”

Stick said South Africa would nevertheless remain faithful to the aggressive defensive approach that has become synonymous with the world champions.

“It’s no secret how we operate on defence. We have our strengths and weaknesses, and denying the opposition space will always be part of our plan.

“If you’re playing against the best in the world, guys like Dupont and [Louis] Bielle-Biarrey have the potential to test you thoroughly if they have an opportunity to make their mark.

“Also, you don’t want to allow teams to get on top of you, especially with playmakers like Lucu and Dupont. Dupont, in particular, will stay on top of you, and he’s very good at making decisions under pressure, and on the other side you have Lucu, who is probably one of the best in game management, and he has a good kicking game.

“If I look at the profiles of the two teams, both packs want momentum and want to dominate, and that will set the platform for both backlines. So, if we get quick ball with the backline players we’ve got, we also have the potential to punish France.”