France host South Africa at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday night in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the Nations Championship so far.
Both teams currently lead their respective hemisphere standings, with France sitting on 17 points in the Northern Hemisphere and South Africa unbeaten on 20 points in the Southern Hemisphere. With just two rounds remaining before the finals, the result could have a significant bearing on which teams eventually qualify for the championship decider.
The Springboks arrive following a crushing 66–7 victory over Italy, while France were equally impressive in putting 54 points past Fiji. However, the French have a growing injury list, and the bookmakers have installed South Africa as clear favourites.
Match: France v South Africa
Competition: Nations Championship, Round 5
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Date: Friday 13 November 2026
Kick-off: 22:10 South African time
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley (England), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
Weather Forecast: The early forecast suggests a cold but largely dry evening in Paris, with temperatures around 5–7°C at kick-off. Light winds and little chance of rain are expected, although conditions should be checked closer to the match.
Hourly weather forecast – Paris
France
France lead the Northern Hemisphere standings with 17 points from four matches, having won three and lost one.
Their only defeat came in the opening round against New Zealand, when they went down 34–32 in Christchurch. They responded with impressive victories over Australia and Japan before returning to action last weekend with a convincing 54–17 win over Fiji.
Fabien Galthié's side have scored 170 points in their four Nations Championship matches, underlining the attacking threat they possess.
However, they face a considerably tougher challenge against South Africa, and injuries are becoming a concern.
Fly-half Romain Ntamack suffered a shoulder injury against Fiji and has been ruled out of the Springbok match. France have responded by calling several players into their wider squad, including experienced centre Gaël Fickou, winger Teddy Thomas and hooker Julien Marchand, who returns from injury.
France have plenty of depth, but losing key players ahead of a match against the World Champions is far from ideal.
They will also be mindful of their recent record against the Springboks, having lost four of the last five meetings.
France are still in a strong position to finish top of the Northern Hemisphere standings, but with Argentina to come in the final round, they cannot afford to take anything for granted.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
Round 1: New Zealand (a) LOST 32–34
Round 2: Australia (a) WON 42–26
Round 3: Japan (a) WON 42–15
Round 4: Fiji (h) WON 54–17
Round 5: South Africa (h) – 13 November
Round 6: Argentina (h) – 21 November
South Africa
South Africa have made a perfect start to the Nations Championship, winning all four matches with bonus points to collect the maximum 20 points.
The Springboks opened their campaign with victories over England, Scotland and Wales in July before returning to action last weekend with a comprehensive 66–7 win over Italy.
Rassie Erasmus's side were ruthless in Turin, running in ten tries and completely overwhelming an injury-hit Italian team.
That victory took their points difference to an impressive +140, giving them a substantial advantage over New Zealand, who are also unbeaten on 20 points but have a points difference of +73.
The Springboks have enjoyed an eventful period since the July internationals. They defeated Argentina before losing the opening Test of their Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand. However, they bounced back to win the next three Tests and claim the series 3–1.
A subsequent 42–38 defeat to Australia was disappointing, but they responded emphatically against Italy.
The trip to Paris represents a significant step up in opposition, and South Africa will be well aware of the challenge awaiting them.
They have enjoyed considerable success against France in recent years, including a memorable 29–28 victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and a 32–17 win in Paris in November 2025.
The Springboks will be looking to maintain their unbeaten Nations Championship record before travelling to Dublin to face Ireland in the final round.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
Round 1: England (h) WON 45–21
Round 2: Scotland (h) WON 42–28
Round 3: Wales (h) WON 43–0
Round 4: Italy (a) WON 66–7
Round 5: France (a) – 13 November
Round 6: Ireland (a) – 21 November
Recent Head to Head
November 2025 – Paris – France 17–32 SOUTH AFRICA
October 2023 – Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final, Paris – France 28–29 SOUTH AFRICA
November 2022 – Marseille – FRANCE 30–26 South Africa
November 2018 – Paris – France 26–29 SOUTH AFRICA
November 2017 – Paris – France 17–18 SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa have won four of the last five meetings between the sides, including the last two encounters in Paris.
Team News
France
France have suffered a significant blow with Romain Ntamack ruled out after injuring his shoulder against Fiji.
Galthié has called several players into the wider squad, including Gaël Fickou, Teddy Thomas and Julien Marchand.
Starting XV: To follow.
Replacements: To follow.
South Africa
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Paul de Villiers, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.
The Betting
Betting as at 09 November 2026
France +7.5 points at 1.87
South Africa -7.5 points at 1.95
The bookmakers initially had France receiving a 5.5-point start, but the handicap has moved out to +7.5 following support for the Springboks.
Betting Angle
To follow.
I'll be keeping an eye on the handicap movement, team selections and weather conditions as the week progresses before deciding whether to get involved.
Follow our Nations Championship Round 5 betting blog for betting-related news and tips throughout the week.
See what other punters fancy and have your say in the Nations Championship Round 5 discussion thread.
Disclaimer: Betting odds and handicaps are correct at the time of writing but may change. Punters should check the latest prices, team news, weather conditions and relevant form before placing their bets.