Springboks confident short turnaround won't blunt their edge against France

The Springboks head into the Test in Paris with less rest, as it is being played a day earlier than usual, but Erasmus insists the schedule won't significantly affect their performance.

South Africa made just two changes to the team that thrashed Italy, prompting concerns about fatigue and player recovery, but Erasmus is confident it will not be an issue, as the Italy game was not as physically taxing as they expected.

"I think if you look at the game against Italy, it wasn't the most physical game the guys have played. I think half the squad's minutes are not too bad," he said.

"The Japanese-based players like Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, although I know Grant's not playing, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager and Malcolm Marx, haven't played a lot of rugby. So they're fairly fresh.

"Not all of them played more than 40 or 60 minutes. We even took Damian off to make sure his minutes were managed properly, and the same with Damian Willemse. So, we didn't feel the game was too taxing."

Erasmus also argued that the calendar looks worse on paper than it is in practice as the Springboks played at one o'clock in the afternoon in Italy on Saturday, while France's match against Fiji kicked off at nine in the evening.

"So people say it's a short turnaround, but because we played early on Saturday and now we're playing late on Friday again, it's almost a seven-day turnaround," he explained.

"We believe this is the best possible squad for the challenge," he said.

The fixture between these two sides rarely lacks edge, and Erasmus expects another tough Test on Friday evening.

"Matches between us and France are always intense, and this week will be no different. Both teams have everything to play for," he said.

"We always try to get really up for the French team, firstly out of respect.

"Secondly, I think the team they're going to pick this weekend will be a lighter, more mobile side that moves the ball around a bit more. They will always have a good kicking game with Antoine Dupont there."

Even with a more mobile selection, Erasmus expects France to remain formidable in the areas where they traditionally excel.

"They are also always competitive at scrum time, and they're one of the teams that maul the most," he said.

"Last year, they mauled 70% of their lineouts, including their exit lineouts and those in the opposition half.

"We love playing against a team that is as physical as we are. I'm not sure if they'll play that way, but I know they won't shy away from the physical contest."

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