Will the Home Crowd Edge France to Victory?

France have a tough start to their Quilter Nations Series campaign. Their first game sees the French side take on South Africa, who hold a good head to head record against their opponents. The Springboks enter the Series after success in the Rugby Championships, picking up their sixth title after narrowly finishing ahead of New Zealand in the Final table. Read our guide to learn the latest team news and match information, as well as our France vs South Africa prediction.

• Day: Saturday 8th November
• Time: 21:10pm local time
• Stadium: Stade de France
• Title / Organisation: Quilter Nations Series

Both France and South Africa have enjoyed successful 2025 campaigns. France head into the Quilter Nations Series on the back of their seventh Six Nations title, their 17th in all formats of the competition. They also won the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, as well as the Auld Alliance Trophy, marking a fantastic year for the French side.

South Africa enjoyed similar success in the Rugby Championships, the Southern Hemisphere’s version of the Northern Hemisphere’s Six Nations tournament. The Springboks took home the title after finishing ahead of second-placed New Zealand on points. They’ve also picked up the Freedom Cup and the Mandela Plate Challenge this year.

We’ve analysed these titles during our preparation of our France vs South Africa rugby union prediction.

Both sides will be heading into the Quilter Nations Series hoping to finish as Champions. It’s a tough start to the campaign for both sides, though. South Africa might have a great record against France, but the opener being held in Paris could give the home side the edge they need.

To further develop our France vs South Africa prediction, we examined their head to head record. The two sides have faced each other in all competitions 46 times. South Africa were successful 28 times, including 15 wins in France, compared to just 12 French wins. As tough as this game might be for both sides, our France vs South Africa betting tips are pointing to an away victory.

What is the latest team news?

Another important aspect of developing our France vs South Africa rugby union prediction is team news. You’ll find the latest squad information below.

France – Taking a huge squad to the Quilter Nations Series

France have a squad of 42 players to choose from for their Quilter Nations Series fixtures. The squad has been hit with injuries to key players in recent months, including star man and captain Antoine Dupont. It’s unlikely Dupont will be fit to face South Africa, which would be a huge blow for the home side.

The headaches continue for head coach Fabein Galthie as Baptiste Couilloud and Maxime Luca are also struggling to make the South Africa game, along with Jonathan Danty and Yoram Moefana. Altogether, France have 17 injuries, meaning they might have to field a makeshift side against the Springboks.

South Africa – Full squad to choose from

South Africa, on the other hand, have a full squad to select from for their fixture against France. Captain Siya Kolisi is set to make his 100th appearance for his country. Lood de Jager and Kurt-Lee Arendse are set to continue after returning from injury. Youngster Zachery Porthen could also make the starting line up.

The strength of the South Africa squad is undeniable. This, coupled with France’s injury concerns, make the Springboks favourites to win this one, and forms the basis of our France vs South Africa rugby union prediction.

Where to watch France vs South Africa in the Quilter Nations Series

To watch how accurate our France vs South Africa prediction might be, there are a range of official broadcasters showing this game, along with all fixtures in the Quilter Nations Series. Alongside television broadcasts, text commentary is also available on the official tournament site. You can also find text commentary at betting sites across the globe, along with updated graphics displays.

There are a variety of betting sites who show rugby union fixtures via their live streaming services. Some operators provide this service for free for all members. Others might require a bet to be placed on the specific event you want to watch.

Below, you’ll find the official Quilter Nations Series broadcasters. Note that some services require a paid subscription to access the broadcasts.

• TV5MONDE – South America, Australia, Fiji, South Africa, Tonga, Japan
• beIN – France, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine
• TNT Sports, Discovery Plus – UK, Ireland
• Sky – Italy, New Zealand
• ESPN – South America

Prediction for the Quilter Nations Series – France vs South Africa

For our France vs South Africa rugby union betting tips, we’re expecting a very tight game. Both sides have enjoyed a successful 2025, winning major titles. They’re both likely to perform well in this tournament, too.

South Africa might have held the upper hand in previous meetings, but France on home soil will be a tough proposition.