Rugby fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting one of the standout fixtures of the Men’s Autumn Internationals 2025 — the monumental clash between France and South Africa (Springboks). Scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the iconic Stade de France in Paris, the match will kick off at 9:10 p.m. local time (8:10 p.m. GMT). This matchup reignites a rivalry filled with intensity, history, and world-class rugby, as two of the sport’s giants collide under the lights of Paris.
Match Details and Kick-off Time
- Fixture: France vs South Africa (Springboks)
- Event: Men’s Autumn Internationals 2025 – Week 2
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris, France
- Kick-off Time: 9:10 p.m. local / 8:10 p.m. GMT / 10:10 p.m. South Africa Standard Time
Fans from both hemispheres will be tuning in to watch this heavyweight showdown, which is expected to be one of the most-watched matches of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series.
Head-to-Head Record and Historical Context
The Springboks hold the upper hand in this historic rivalry, boasting 28 wins to France’s 12 across 46 total Test matches. However, the French have often saved their best performances for home soil, where passionate crowds at the Stade de France provide an electric atmosphere.
The 2023 World Cup encounter between these two sides was widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in modern rugby history — a clash of styles, emotions, and precision. France’s creativity and flair went toe-to-toe with South Africa’s power and tactical ruthlessness, with the Springboks emerging victorious by a single point, 29–28.
Now, two years later, Les Bleus will look to channel that heartbreak into a statement win against the defending world champions.
France’s Form Recent Performances
France enters the 2025 Autumn Internationals on the back of consistent top-tier performances in the Six Nations and several impressive summer tours. The side’s mix of youth and experience, coupled with Galthié’s innovative approach, continues to evolve. The French attack, orchestrated by Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, remains one of the most fluid in world rugby, capable of dismantling even the most structured defenses.
The French pack, led by Charles Ollivon and Grégory Alldritt, has matured into one of the most balanced forward units in the northern hemisphere — powerful in set-pieces and relentless at the breakdown.
South Africa’s Form Recent Performances
The Springboks, under Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, remain the epitome of consistency and physical excellence. Their recent dominance in the Rugby Championship and back-to-back success at the World Cup reaffirm their status as rugby’s most complete team. With a well-drilled defensive structure and explosive attacking power, the Springboks continue to strike fear into every opponent they face.
Players like Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, and Eben Etzebeth are in top form, while the South African bench — often dubbed the “Bomb Squad” — adds unmatched depth in the final stages of the game.
Key Players to Watch
France
- Antoine Dupont – The world-class scrum-half and tactical genius who dictates tempo and exploits gaps in opposition defenses.
- Romain Ntamack – The fly-half maestro whose kicking, vision, and decision-making define France’s attacking identity.
- Grégory Alldritt – France’s engine room, providing leadership, power, and relentless ball-carrying.
- Damian Penaud – A lethal finisher with the ability to change games in an instant.
South Africa
- Siya Kolisi – The inspirational Springbok captain, leading with heart, discipline, and defensive excellence.
- Handré Pollard – A tactical general whose accurate goal-kicking and game management are vital in tight contests.
- Eben Etzebeth – The enforcer of the South African pack, dominating lineouts and collisions.
- Cheslin Kolbe – One of rugby’s most electrifying wingers, combining pace, agility, and extraordinary skill.
Broadcast Information: How to Watch Live
The France vs South Africa match will be broadcast live worldwide through various major platforms. Fans across Europe, Africa, and beyond can catch the action through the following broadcasters:
| Region | Channel / Platform | Details |
|---|---|---|
| UK | TNT Sports / Discovery+ Premium | Exclusive broadcaster for the Autumn Nations Series. |
| Ireland | TNT Sports / Virgin Media | Full coverage including pre-match and post-match analysis. |
| France | France TV / Canal+ | Live national coverage with French commentary. |
| South Africa | SuperSport | Full HD coverage across all channels and devices. |
| Australia | Stan Sport | Live streaming with replays and highlights available. |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ / Sky Sport Now | Official coverage of all international matches. |
| USA | Peacock (NBC Sports) | Live and on-demand coverage for American viewers. |
Elsewhere: Coverage may vary by region depending on local network arrangements.
A Rivalry Reignited: France vs South Africa at Stade de France
Whenever France and South Africa meet, fireworks are guaranteed. Their last major showdown came during the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, also held at Stade de France, where South Africa edged France 29–28 in one of the greatest matches in rugby history. That result still lingers in the minds of French players and fans alike, and this 2025 encounter offers a perfect chance for revenge on home turf.
The Springboks, reigning world champions and global powerhouses, continue to set the benchmark for physical dominance and strategic excellence. Meanwhile, France, under Fabien Galthié, have become one of the most stylish, tactical, and unpredictable teams in the modern game. This Week 2 fixture of the Quilter Nations Series promises to be a night of high emotion and uncompromising rugby.
Venue Spotlight: Stade de France, Paris
The Stade de France — home to France’s most iconic rugby moments — will once again provide a breathtaking backdrop for this heavyweight clash. With a capacity of 80,000, it is the heart of French sport, known for its electrifying atmosphere, especially under the lights. Expect passionate chants of “Allez Les Bleus!” echoing throughout the stadium as France seeks redemption against the world champions.
The France vs South Africa clash at the Men’s Autumn Internationals 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated games of the year. With history, pride, and redemption all on the line, both teams will bring their absolute best. For fans, this is more than just a rugby match — it’s a battle between two philosophies: French flair vs South African power.
Under the lights of Stade de France, rugby’s greatest theatre will once again deliver a spectacle that defines nations and inspires millions.
