With memories of a bruising training ground encounter from earlier tis year fresh in their minds, France have vowed not to take this developing South Africa team "lightly". The return of co-captain Manae Feleu is a sign of that, as is the identity of her second-row partner, Madoussou Fall Raclot, as the French attempt to ensure they have the power to match the Springbok Women.
For South Africa, it is all change as head coach Swys de Bruin makes good on his promise to use all 32 players before the knockouts. Babalwa Latsha will captain the team for the first time at this tournament, from second-row while de Bruin also brings in new playmaker Mary Zulu.
Kick-off: 16:45 BST, Sunday, 7 September
Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
If you have a ticket already, make sure you read local legend and former England men's player Phil Dowson's Guide to all that Northampton has to offer.
How to watch: Tickets appear to be sold-out for Sunday's double-header, featuring France v South Africa in the evening. But keep an eye on here, in case any last-minute tickets appear.
Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your area.
France team:
France's key player: Co-captain Marine Ménager has been on-fire in the two RWC 2025 matches so far. Blisteringly quick and a possessor of deft hands and sweet feet, the winger has swapped sides for this one, which should not present much of a problem.
South Africa team:
South Africa key player: Number eight Aseza Hele is a rare forward to keep her place in the starting line-up, showing just how important she is. With the France pack predictably powerful, Hele will need another huge performance if South Africa are to compete up front.
Recent-head-to-heads:
RWC 2021: FRA 40-5 RSA
Friendly Nov 2021: FRA 46-3 RSA
What France said:
France co-head coach: Gaëlle Mignot:
"They (South Africa) were on tour in France, and we had the chance to host them for a shared session. It was during the (2025) Six Nations. It was an intense session, very physical. It took us a few moments to realise what was happening, but it quickly became clear - they were determined, had a message to send, and wanted to make a statement. Now here we are.
"The players felt it, and so did we. They made it clear South Africa had come to this World Cup to show how much they’ve progressed, that they’ve raised their level and are aiming for the quarter-finals. And they proved it by qualifying.
"It was a great opportunity for us. The last time we played them was at the 2022 World Cup. That result went our way, but we can’t rely on that now. A lot has changed since then."
France co-captain Manae Feleu:
"We’re a slightly lighter team, so we’ll need to move a lot and hold on over the long haul. We know the first 20 to 40 minutes will be intense. We’ll have to be brave defensively, in the collisions, and in attack. We absolutely can’t let up – the match lasts 80 minutes. We need to keep moving and shift them around to open up our game."
What South Africa said:
South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin:
"First, I trust every one of these ladies to do the job, that's why they're here. We beat Italy, which made it easier [to change the team]. The second thing is a lot of those players put their bodies on the line in two games, and we can rest them, and I’ll listen to the doctor and I’ll listen to the conditioner who would suggest it’s good for some of these girls to take a break, not just for their bodies, but mentally as well.
"The World Cup means everything to the 32 players and the last thing I would have done is left here and some of them didn't ever run on that pitch. For years, they’ll remember that I was the girl who went to the World Cup and never had a chance. So, rugby is so important, but people are more important."
South Africa captain Babalwa Latsha:
"It's a massive honour, a great privilege, not everyone gets to be granted that. I see it as a vote of confidence as well. I've been around for quite some time, and I know what makes the girls click and, fortunately for me, I've had the privilege to be in the pupillage of a stalwart, Sindi Booi. But it's all about the team, really. My job is simple: to play the best rugby possible and to contribute to the team's success as best as I can."
