South Africa take on France in Toulouse on Friday night in what may be the Boks toughest test match in 2009.
After a poor display from the second string Boks last week against Leicester, the top Springbok side are determined not to follow the same fate. It has been a wonderful year for the Springboks, and they are determined to finish a long taxing year on a high.
France are often tough to beat in France, and the selection of a small ground with a large partisan crowd in Toulouse will de tough for the Boks if they fall behind early. The French have selected a big, strong, physical pack with big inside backs and will look to match and dominate the Springboks physically.
The Springbok pack has dominated all its opposition so far this year. As long as they match the French side, it will allow the collective genius of Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn to dictate proceedings.
Adi Jacobs is seen as a weak point amongst many in South Africa and possible by the French side. I am sure he can hold his own and hopefully add an extra attacking dimension to the Bok Backs.
I said at the beginning of the year, Zane Kirchner would be the Springbok fullback by the end of the year, and he now has a chance to make the jersey his own. He possesses all the skills, safe under the high ball, a good kick-chaser, and enters the line well. Compared to Francois Steyn, the man he is replacing, he should ask more questions of the French defence. His incursions into the line will hopefully create more opportunities for Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen.
If all goes to plan, the Springbok should be too good for the French, and win by 10-12.
