As South Africa prepares for what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the international rugby window, Springbok eighthman Jasper Wiese is clear-eyed and under no illusions about the challenge that awaits.

A bruising encounter against hosts France looms, and the Bok powerhouse knows exactly what kind of battle he and his teammates are walking into.

While the Springboks are famous for their physicality and the brutal nature of their contests, Wiese acknowledged that they were aware that the French would not back down and would give the South Africans as good as they got. 

“Yes, of course, obviously, France has made a statement in the last few years with their physicality and how big they are. I think Saturday will definitely be the same again. Two big packs colliding with each other, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The French are well aware of the tactical prowess of coach Rassie Erasmus and any innovation and strategy that he would bring to the table. Wiese, however, kept his cards close to his chest, saying, “We analysed them well this week. The French have a big team, and that’s definitely what it comes down to. Both forward packs want to dominate and see who is going to dominate whom. I think we’re all looking forward to that.”

One of the telling themes leading up to this contest was the theme of revenge, on the part of the French. South Africa defeated the World Cup hosts and favourites France, from the World Cup two years ago, beating them 29-28 in a game that still haunts the French.

Wiese, aware of the emotion the game carries, had this to say, “I think they have a lot of hurt and still have a lot of hurt from that game. They are coming out and saying that this is for revenge, and yeah, it’s going to be a good challenge. I think it was genuine hurt after the World Cup, so we can expect them to be very emotional and up for this game. If there is one game we are going to have to be up for, it’s this game.” 

Although Wiese did not feature in that 2023 quarter-final, he remembers the intensity vividly.

“I wasn’t fortunate enough to play, but I was in the stands, and I just remember the crowd being very loud. They started well. I think they scored in the third or fourth minute, but we stuck to our guns and our forwards got more into the game,” he recalled. 

“For those of us who weren’t playing, we sat in the stands next to the coaches just trying to make plans and telling them what we think we should do. Obviously, there were massive moments in the game that shifted the game for us. In the end, we got through it, and it was a very, very big one for us.”

That experience, he says, reinforced the Bok culture of togetherness – something unchanged in this week’s build-up. 

Asked if they spoke about that game during the week and whether those not playing are as important, Wiese reinforced the team spirit and culture. “The togetherness and the dynamic of that never changes, whether we play France, New Zealand, or Italy. We always try to be together. Whether you’re playing or not, everyone has a role in preparation for the week.”

Speaking about how a game against the French differs in comparison to any other nation, Wiese clarified that they’re all well aware of the French strengths across the park. 

“From a forward perspective, we know what to expect. They will try to bully you. In the backline, they’ve got flair; all of their backline players are exceptional. If you think of the centres, [Damian] Penaud on the wing – unfortunately, Antoine Du Pont is not playing, but if you think of all those guys, they’re all brilliant players. As a forward for me, the aim is to stop the momentum of their forwards, and for our backs, it’s shutting them down too.”