Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says he has picked “the best team” to take down France in Saturday’s blockbuster Test at the Stade de France – backing Boan Venter to make the most of his big opportunity in the front row.
Venter replaces the injured Ox Nche at loosehead prop in one of six changes to the side that beat Japan last week. Erasmus says the Edinburgh-based prop, who has five Test caps, had earned his shot in one of the toughest environments imaginable.
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“A guy like Boan has already played five Test matches for us, and again, to put him there with Malcolm [Marx] and Thomas [du Toit], we’d rather have him swim in this tough river,” Erasmus explained.
“Like I said with Zach [Porthen] last weekend, we’d rather have him there at the start to see how he manages. We really rate Boan highly. It’s unfortunate that we lost Jan-Hendrik [Wessels] to a suspension and Ox through an off-the-ball tackle.”
Memories from Paris
Watch the Boks take on France at the Stade de France this Saturday; live on @SuperSportTV #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/GXbLHK41cP
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 5, 2025
Erasmus admitted that leaving out several in-form players is never easy, with the Springbok depth making selection increasingly competitive.
“Certainly there were difficult choices,” he said.
“Leaving a guy like Ethan Hooker out of the mix who’s really been playing well, Canan Moodie is also playing really well for us, and when Krappies [Morne van den Berg] got his chance, he played some really good rugby.
“Kwagga [Smith], Marco [van Staden], and Franco [Mostert] – it’s never easy to pick a team, but the guys know if things go according to plan this week, who’ll be playing against Italy.”
Both coach and captain celebrate significant milestones against Les Bleus. Erasmus takes charge of his 50th Bok Test having won 36 of the 49 so far, while Siya Kolisi becomes the ninth Bok centurion.
Photo: Johann Meintjes/Gallo Images
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is backing Boan Venter to make the most of his big opportunity in the front row.
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