'I think they are still carrying a lot of hurt,' says Bok No.8 Jasper Wiese

France will be looking to exorcise the ghosts of the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal that are still floating around Stade de France this weekend.

"I think they are still carrying a lot of hurt, and as you can see, they have come out and said they want to avenge that defeat, so it's going to be a good challenge," said Wiese.

"They experienced genuine hurt after the World Cup, so I think we can expect them to be very emotional and up for this game. If there is one game we have to be very up for, it is this game."

Wiese is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits the Boks in the forward department, where France has some incredibly large athletes. But for the man they call the Kalahari Pain Train, he's eagerly anticipating the battle.

"France have made a statement in the last couple of years with their physicality and how big they are, and I think Saturday will be the same again, with two big packs colliding," he continued.

"From a forward perspective, we know what to expect from them. They are big boys, and they are going to try and bully you, while they also have flair in their backline, so as a forward, it will be important to stop their momentum. Obviously, the backs have a different job to do.

"We analysed them well this week, and that's definitely where it could come down to."

The Springboks have won nine out of their last ten matches at the Stade de France.

READ MORE: Double World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am ends Sharks journey for pastures new