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South Africa Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick admitted the new-look French half-back pairing is where things could get tricky for the Springboks at the Stade de France on Friday.
France were forced to move Antoine Dupont into the halves following an injury crisis at number 10, with regular scrum-half Maxime Lucua starting in him for his Nations Championship clash with the world champions.
But rather than view the rebuild as a weakness, South Africa are preparing for Dupont and Luca to be rotated regularly as France look to compensate for the absence of Romain Ntamack and their other leading fly-half options.
Stick believes giving the pair time and space could expose the Springboks, especially with the pace France possess outside of them.
“When it comes to physicality, one thing we know for sure, France will always bring it,” he said.
“They have very good physical players, especially among their forwards, but No.9 and No.10 is where it will be tricky.
“I have no doubt that Dupont, although he will wear the number 10 shirt, will be allowed to do whatever he wants between these two positions.
“Remember Luca has also covered the 10 in the past, so there will be freedom between the two of them to continue to switch in the general game. You’ll probably see Dupont on breakdowns at No. 9 and Lucu as the first receiver from time to time. So we know what they want to accomplish.
“That means if we allow that half-back combination time and space with the ball in hand, they have the potential to punish us, so our main focus is to make sure we don’t allow that. They also have very dangerous outside backs and have picked very quick players.”
Stick said South Africa would still stick to the aggressive defensive approach that has become synonymous with the world champions.
“It’s no secret how we operate in defense. We have our strengths and weaknesses, and denying space to the opposition will always be part of our plan.
“If you’re playing against the best in the world, guys like Dupont and (Louis) Bielle-Biarrey have the potential to test you thoroughly if they get a chance to make their mark.
“Also, you don’t want to let teams get on top of you, especially with playmakers like Lucu and Dupont. Dupont in particular will stay on you, and he’s very good at making decisions under pressure, and on the other side you’ve got Lucu, who’s probably one of the best at managing the game, and he’s got good footwork.
“If I look at the profiles of the two teams, both packs want momentum and want to dominate, and that will set the stage for both back lines. So if we get the quick ball with the back players we have, we also have the potential to punish France.”