The Test at the Stade de France is going to be exciting because of two key players. One of them, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, is playing out of his skin right now. The other, Antoine Dupont, is starting a Test match at flyhalf for the very first time, which is a big deal.

FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU IN FORM

Feinberg-Mngomezulu had a rough time in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks. His game wasn’t as strong as it was in the past. But then he went back to the URC and things started to click again. He played so well against Italy last weekend, it was an almost flawless display.

He got 26 of the Boks’ 66 points. He made a try on his own and kicked all 10 of his shots at goal. He also kicked a 50:22 that helped Siya Kolisi score a try from a maul. Italy had a tough time dealing with him when he attacked.

France have seen him before. He’s played them once before and did really well – he got 17 points and even scored a try in a 32-17 win. So all in all, he’s feeling pretty confident now.

DUPONT’S UNUSUAL TEST

Dupont is a specialist scrumhalf Dupont – arguably the best in the world in that position at the moment – but he has also played flyhalf a few times for Toulouse – eight times to be exact. However, he has never actually started a Test match in the playmaker role. Maxime Lucu will be playing scrumhalf, and it’s possible that Dupont and Lucu might switch roles during the game.

As someone who’s always looking for the ball, Dupont was a key for France against Fiji last week, making some great runs and passes and even scoring a try. Playing in the number 10 position should mean he gets his hands on the ball more often. But he’ll also have to do his part on defence, especially since he’ll be in the front line. The Springboks, will likely try to target him directly.

Dupont has only played against the Boks three times and managed to win one of those games. And the South Africans will relish the chance to test his defensive mettle once again. But even so, he’s still remains a dangerous creator and a superb reader of space, someone who can make things happen.

The Tactical Battle

France value territory. They like to play in the right areas and using their kicking game to apply pressure. Therefore, the Springboks will Feinberg-Mngomezulu to be on song with his tactical kicking in return. This week, he will have less time on the ball than he did in Turin. His first job is to execute the basics.

Both Dupont and Lucu are pretty tricky because they can kick of off both feet. This makes it tough for the Bok back three to negate and figure out where the ball is going.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg also need to handle the high balls really well. The Boks’ chase line can then hunt in packs.

WHO COMES OUT ON TOP?

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has the edge because he is in his natural position. The fact that he’s got a strong team behind him is a big plus. If he can run the show and kick the ball well, the Boks should come out on top.

Dupont is a game changer like no other – he can turn things around in just seconds. If that happens, the argument over who’s the best player in the world is going to get a lot more interesting.