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Ex England Scrum-half Ben Youngs believes France must overcome South Africa in November if they are to remove what he sees as a growing psychological barrier against the world champions ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The 127-cap England international reflected on rugby’s greatest rivalry on his home turf For the love of rugby podcast this week after the Springboks completed a 3-1 series win over All black people.
Youngs believes Rassie Erasmus’ side remain “head and shoulders” above much of the Test landscape when they are at their best, pointing to the different ways they can win matches.
He did identify New Zealand, France and Ireland as three teams capable of challenging the Boks, although he feels France’s recent record against South Africa has created a mental barrier that now needs to be removed.
Fabien Galthie’s side host the Boks on Friday, November 13, during the Northern Hemisphere Nations Series and Youngs believes there is a lot on the line for Les Bleus a year on from the World Cup in Australia.
England were notably absent from that group, with Youngs claiming that Steve Borthwick’s side may be capable of producing one big performance, but they are short of putting together the elite displays needed at the end of the World Cup.
“At the moment, the Boks are head and shoulders above a lot of teams. When they’re on song, they have more ways to win.
“I mean New Zealand have shown that they can live with them, that they can compete, but they failed. Give them another 12 months, they can close the gap a bit, I think. It will all come down to setup. Can they bridge the gap in those areas?
“I think the French can. They can definitely compete, but they have a psychological barrier when it comes to the Boks, and that’s something they just can’t get over right now. For me, the French have to beat them in November. They have to beat them in November. If not, that psychological barrier will be there until the World Cup, and that’s why it can’t get over the hurdle.
“And I think Ireland showed they’re in that mix when they put it together on their day. So it’s four teams for me.”
“I don’t have (England) in that conversation. Could they bring a one-off game? Yes, of course they could. But at the World Cup, we know you have to do it, depending on which side of the draw you’re on, you have to do it at least twice, two weeks in a row.
“You might get out of your pool, the last 16, you might have what’s considered an easier quarter-final, but by the time you get to the semi-final and the final, you have to put two good performances in a row, like the elite. And I think the gap is too big at the moment.”