The Springboks are expecting more than just a physical battle when they face France in their Northern Hemisphere tour clash at the Stade de France on Friday night.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi addressed the media ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, with much of the focus on France’s decision to name Antoine Dupont at fly-half.

Stick said Dupont’s versatility means the move does not come as a surprise to the Springboks.

“It’s not a surprise for me because he’s played there before for his club. We saw the games where he played at 10, and he’s very good. He can play almost anywhere on the field,” said Stick.

The Springboks also expect Dupont and scrumhalf Maxime Lucu to interchange positions during general play, creating a difficult tactical challenge for their defence.

Kolisi said the French combination could prove particularly dangerous if they are given time and space.

“France will always bring physicality. They’ve got very good players, especially with their forwards. But I think you’ve mentioned the nine and ten positions. That’s where it’s going to get tricky,” said Kolisi.

“Even though Dupont will be wearing the number 10 jersey, he’s going to have a licence to do whatever he wants between that nine and ten channel. Lucu has covered the 10 positions in the past, so between the two of them there will probably be a lot of freedom to keep swapping positions.”

The Springbok captain says denying France space will therefore be one of their biggest priorities.

“If you’re going to allow that nine and ten combination to get more time and space with the ball in hand, they’ve got the potential to punish us. That’s going to be our main focus point – to make sure that we don’t give them a lot of time and space.”

Kolisi also played down any psychological advantage South Africa may have gained from previous victories over France, including their 2023 Rugby World Cup meeting.

He said the Springboks are treating Friday’s encounter as a completely new challenge.

“Every game is different. What happened last year is gone. We’ve changed as a group, and we’ve changed a little bit of the way we play. We can’t stay there for too long. This is a new game and a new opportunity.”

The Springboks have several players in their matchday squad who have never faced France before, but Kolisi believes the occasion itself will provide enough motivation.

He said the atmosphere at the Stade de France is something the players should embrace before switching their focus entirely to the contest once the whistle blows.

“The French people love their rugby just like Africans do, and they get behind their team. But once that whistle goes, it’s just you and the guy opposite you, and that’s all that matters.”

Stick said the Springboks’ defensive approach will remain unchanged, regardless of France’s personnel.

“It’s not a secret how we operate and how we defend. Denying opposition space is always part of our plan,” he said.

“If you give guys like Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey time and space, they will punish you. The key thing for us is to make sure that we don’t give them that space.”

The assistant coach also believes the battle for momentum could ultimately decide the contest, with both teams boasting powerful packs and dangerous backlines.

“Both packs want momentum. Both packs want to dominate, and that will probably set the platform for both backlines. If we also get quick balls, with the backline players that we’ve got, I think we’ve got the potential to punish France.”

The Springboks will also look to the versatility of their forwards, including Jasper Wiese, who produced an impressive no-look pass against Italy last week.

Stick says while Wiese’s physicality remains a major asset, the team will encourage him to exploit space when opportunities arise.

“Jasper is one of the most physical guys that gives us momentum. But when the gap is there, you’ve got all the freedom to take the space,” Stick said.

And while Stick admits he is not necessarily a fan of the no-look pass, he had no complaints about Wiese’s execution.

“Am I the biggest fan of the no-look passes? Not really. But if you can execute it like he did, happy days. It’s seven points on the board, so I’m not complaining at all.”

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