Why Rassie didn’t rush back Eben

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted against rushing veteran lock Eben Etzebeth into the squad for Friday's Nations Championship Test against France in Paris. Etzebeth rejoined the team on Monday as an injury replacement after recovering from an ankle issue, but Erasmus explained that the lock needs time to settle back in after being sidelined since October 10.

Lood de Jager will start at lock alongside Ruan Nortje, with Franco Mostert providing cover on the bench. Erasmus made only two changes to the matchday 23 that defeated Italy 66-7, bringing in tighthead prop Wilco Louw for Thomas du Toit and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach for Grant Williams.