Kurt-Lee Arendse back with a bang ahead of French showdown

The French will be out for revenge after their Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to the Springboks, who went on to lift the trophy in 2023.

Arendse made a brilliant return to the Bok line-up with two tries and a try assist in a Man of the Match performance against Japan at Wembley Stadium.

He says while the win was satisfying, the focus now shifts to preparing well for Les Bleus.

"Yeah, obviously the win was good. I think we're gonna have to prepare well for France because I think they will come with revenge from the World Cup, so, I think we must just plan well and stick to the plan," Arendse said.

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Arendse showed no lingering effects from the hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since the Boks’ shock defeat to Australia at Ellis Park in June.

The 29-year-old winger says he understands injuries are part of the game but is simply happy to be back doing what he loves.

"Obviously injuries are part of the game but yeah, I'm really happy to be back and contribute towards a team and yeah and see what happens," he added.

The win over Japan marked the first stop on the Springboks’ five-match end-of-year tour. The world number one side now turn their attention to France in Paris, followed by Tests against Italy, Ireland, and Wales.

Arendse says if the Boks continue to prepare well, it should be a strong and successful autumn series.

"Yeah I think we knew about two games that out of the test we know but if we prepare well for the upcoming games then we can make it a good autumn series."