Bok prop backs France to step up as Dupont moves to flyhalf
Ox Nché says the Springboks are no more confident than they were ahead of last year's fixture against France.
Prop player Ox Nché believes France's larger squad will step up to the plate amid a flyhalf crisis. South Africa and France will face each other in the fifth round of the Nations Championship after the Springboks beat Italy 66-7 in Turin and France triumphed over Fiji 54-17 in Lyon. However, Romain Ntamack's injury against Fiji left the French in a tough spot, with possible flyhalf replacements Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Hastoy, and Thomas Ramos all unavailable.
France opted for Antoine Dupont to play flyhalf, with Maxime Lucu partnering him. Erasmus opted for a more physical playmaker in Kalvin Gourgues, but Dupont was eventually named for the position, with Lucu as his half-back partner. Nché stated that the Springboks wouldn't have more confidence going into the match than they did before last year's impressive 32-17 win with 14 men.
He added that the French team, despite their flyhalf crisis, still possesses a strong system and understanding of their roles, with Dupont being the most likely replacement. The Springboks, accustomed to playing at night, adapt to the time difference by simply sleeping in later.
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