When the world’s two best rugby teams collide at the Stade de France, the stakes go far beyond rankings. 

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France and South Africa last met in the unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, a bruising classic that still haunts Les Bleus and cemented the Springboks’ path to another title. 

Now, two years later, they meet again under the Paris lights in what promises to be the test of the year in the 2025 Autumn Nations Series.

Here are five things to know before kickoff:

1. Siya Kolisi Reaches 100 Caps For South Africa

This weekend marks a monumental moment for Siya Kolisi, who earns his 100th test cap at the same venue where he lifted the World Cup trophy in 2023. 

The Springboks captain has redefined leadership in the modern game as a two-time world champion and emotional heartbeat of the team.

Kolisi’s milestone adds an emotional edge to an already heavyweight matchup. 

He’s celebrated not just for his achievements, but for how he’s led, and while sentiment will take a back seat once the whistle blows, the Springboks would love nothing more than to mark his century with a win in Paris.

2. France Is Out For Revenge

Few fixtures carry as much emotional weight as this one for France. 

The heartbreaking 29-28 quarterfinal loss to the Springboks in 2023 still lingers. 

Scrumhalf Maxime Lucu and captain Gaël Fickou have spoken about the team’s hunger to respond.

Head coach Fabien Galthié has doubled down on physicality. 

With Antoine Dupont still sidelined, Nolann Le Garrec steps into the No. 9 jersey, and Romain Ntamack returns at fly-half to direct play. 

France’s pack remains fierce, despite missing key forwards Cyril Baille and Uini Atonio, while No. 8 Mickaël Guillard replaces Grégory Alldritt in a back row built to hit hard.

3. The Springboks Look Unstoppable

South Africa enters Paris in formidable form. 

The world's No. 1 team crushed Japan 61-7 at Wembley Stadium in its tour opener, reminding everyone why the Springboks remain rugby’s benchmark. 

Malcolm Marx returned at hooker, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager reunited in the second row and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continued his rapid rise at fly-half. 

The young playmaker was outstanding in that win, directing traffic with confidence beyond his years. 

4. Feinberg-Mngomezulu vs. Ntamack

This matchup could define the game. 

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, just 22, has become one of world rugby’s brightest stars. 

His poise under pressure, tactical kicking and willingness to attack the line have transformed the Springboks attack since The Rugby Championship.

Across the line stands Romain Ntamack, back in blue after a long injury layoff. 

France’s creative heartbeat must find a balance between control and flair against South Africa’s suffocating defensive line. 

Expect both fly-halves to dictate tempo with their boots, and whomever controls territory is likely to control the scoreboard.

5. Stade de France Will Provide Epic Atmosphere

If the 2023 quarterfinal atmosphere was deafening, this one could surpass it. 

The Stade de France, rugby’s cathedral in Saint-Denis, will be packed with more than 80,000 fans. 

Between La Marseillaise echoing through the stands and the roar greeting Kolisi’s 100th cap, this promises to be one of the most emotionally charged environments of the Autumn Nations Series. 

Autumn Nations 2025 Schedule & Autumn Internationals 2025 Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 8

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. USA – Adjarabet Arena (Autumn International)
• 7:40 a.m. ET – Ireland vs. Japan – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. New Zealand – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Italy vs. Australia – Bluenergy Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – England vs. Fiji – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. South Africa – Stade de France (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Colombia vs. Mexico – Estadio Cincuentenario (Autumn International)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. Canada – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 10 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Uruguay – Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 9

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs Argentina – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 15

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. Canada – Adjarabet Arena (Autumn International)
• 7:40 a.m. ET – Italy vs. South Africa – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. USA – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – England vs. New Zealand – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Wales vs. Japan – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. Fiji – Stade Matmut-Atlantique (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Ireland vs. Australia – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Hong Kong China – Estádio Nacional do Jamor (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 16

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Argentina – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 22

• 7 a.m. ET – Georgia vs. Japan – Mikheil Meskhi Stadium (Autumn International)
• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs. New Zealand – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 11 a.m. ET – Spain vs. Fiji – Estadio Ciudad de Málaga (Autumn International)
• 12:40 p.m. ET – Ireland vs. South Africa – Aviva Stadium (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Italy vs. Chile – Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Autumn Nations)
• 3:10 p.m. ET – France vs. Australia – Stade de France (Autumn Nations)
• 10 a.m. ET – Romania vs. Uruguay – Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf (Autumn International)
• 11 a.m. ET – Portugal vs. Canada – Estádio Municipal Cidade de Coimbra (Autumn International)

Sunday, Nov. 23

• 8:40 a.m. ET – Scotland vs. Tonga – Scottish Gas Murrayfield (Autumn Nations)
• 11:10 a.m. ET – England vs. Argentina – Allianz Stadium (Autumn Nations)

Saturday, Nov. 29

• 10:10 a.m. ET – Wales vs. South Africa – Principality Stadium (Autumn Nations)

How To Watch Autumn Nations Series 2025

The 2025 Autumn Nations will be broadcast on different networks all over the world. 

If you live in the USA, you can watch the games on Peacock. 

• UK: TNT Sports
• USA: Peacock
• Ireland: TNT Sports (Autumn Nations Games) / Virgin Media (Ireland Games)
• Wales: S4C
• South Africa: SuperSport
• Australia: Stan Sport
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

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How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• United Rugby Championship
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• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
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• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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