Rugby-France ready to enter uncharted waters against new-look Springboks


Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - France Training - Stade Du Parc, Rueil-Malmaison, France - October 10, 2023 France's Antoine Dupont with teammates during training REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - France are expecting the unexpected when they face a new-look South Africa in their World Cup quarter-final clash at the Stade de France on Sunday.

South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber has named a surprising starting line-up with a new halfback pairing of Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach, veteran Duane Vermeulen at number eight and only five forwards on the bench - choices that have been much debated and not necessarily well understood.

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