France study up on Springboks and ‘expect all sorts of innovations’
France fly-half Romain Ntamack and an inset of the Springboks midfield lineout.
France will not be caught off guard by Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks’ innovations when the two nations face off at the Stade de France on Saturday evening.
That is according to fly-half Romain Ntamack, who says that the coaching team and players have been doing their homework ahead of the grudge match of the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
Since the tournament in France last year, Erasmus has not only added attacking flair through the appointment of Tony Brown to lead the attack, but also thrown in innovative tactics like the ‘Twin Towers’ lineout against Australia last year.
That was followed by open play lineouts against Italy this July, which was used against Australia and New Zealand too, while the Boks also manufactured a scrum from the first whistle against the Azzurri.
France wary of Rassie’s innovation
During the last-eight clash two years ago, the Boks also debuted the scrum call from a mark inside their own 22, which has since been outlawed.
Speaking to RugbyRama ahead of the clash against the South Africans, Ntamack is wary that Erasmus might have another trick or two up his sleeve.
He said as much when asked about his potential combination with Racing 92’s Nolann Le Garrec, who is set to 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… 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.”
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Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and South Africa’s aerial skills
Ntamack could line up against South Africa’s rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on Saturday, and the Bok has certainly caught the eye of the Frenchman.
“He’s very good; I watched him play during the Rugby Championship,” the son of France legend Emile Ntamack added.
“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.”
The French squad has notably been working on their aerial skills since gathering in Marcoussis, and Ntamack admits that it will be crucial on Saturday against South Africa.
“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.”
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