The latest news on France vs South Africa centers on their much-anticipated clash in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool D decider at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, on Sunday, 7 September 2025[1]. Both teams have entered the match unbeaten, with South Africa topping the pool after collecting maximum points from their victories over Brazil and Italy, while France sits second, having also won both of their matches but without a bonus point win over Italy[8].
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:45pm BST (local), and the winner will secure a top spot and likely face Pool C’s runners-up (expected to be Ireland) in the quarter-finals[1].
South Africa, led by captain Babalwa Latsha, has made some strategic changes by starting Mary Zulu and Anathi Qolo for the first time in a Rugby World Cup fixture[6]. Latsha emphasized her team’s determination: “We are not saving ourselves for next weekend. We are still going out to win, no matter what… I know we can still improve even more. We are in a good space and ready to take on whatever challenge come our way”[8].
France, considered pre-tournament favorites, fielded a side featuring in-form winger Marine Ménager and co-captain Manae Feleu. Coach Gaëlle Mignot praised South Africa’s recent improvement: “They made it clear South Africa had come to this World Cup to show how much they’ve progressed, that they’ve raised their level and are aiming for the quarter-finals. And they proved it by qualifying” [5].
Both teams have already qualified for the knockout stages, but the match is crucial for pool ranking and momentum. Recent head-to-heads have favored France, notably a 40-5 win at the previous Rugby World Cup and a dominant 46-3 in a 2021 friendly[5]. However, both teams stressed they are not relying on past results—highlighting South Africa’s upward trajectory and the need for France to maintain intensity throughout the 80 minutes[5].
For fans wishing to watch, free live streams are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK and RTÉ Player in Ireland, with additional coverage on Paramount+ (US), Stan Sport (Australia), and SuperSport (South Africa)[1].