South Africa will look to continue using their powerful driving maul when they face France in their Nations Championship encounter at Stade de France on Friday, 13 November.
The set piece played a significant role in the Springboks’ 66-7 victory over Italy in Turin last Saturday, when the visitors established a 45-0 lead by half-time.
According to South Africa Rugby, the driving maul provided the platform for four of South Africa’s tries during the match.
Even when Italy managed to stop the rolling maul, scrumhalf Morne van den Berg found a way through the defensive line, creating another attacking threat for the visitors.
The Springboks are pursuing the inaugural Nations Championship title and have continued to use their forward power as a central part of their attacking approach.
World Rugby Introduces New Maul Guidelines
The effectiveness of the Springboks’ driving maul has also coincided with changes to the way the set piece is managed under World Rugby’s regulations.
In June 2026, World Rugby introduced a Law Application Guideline for the driving maul following concerns about how referees should manage and interpret different situations during the contest.
The changes were intended to clarify situations involving possession and space, making the contest more dependent on timing and momentum.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the revised guidelines, saying they created more opportunities for teams to use the maul while opening space for attacking players.
Erasmus explained that under the previous approach, defenders could sometimes stop a maul by moving around it and dragging it backwards. The revised interpretation requires teams to commit to the contest, potentially leaving space for backline attacks.
France Faces Challenge Against South Africa’s Forward Power
France will need to find a way to contain South Africa’s driving maul when the teams meet in Paris.
The set piece was an important factor in the Springboks’ previous encounter with France, which South Africa won 32-17.
During that match, French players were repeatedly penalised for illegally bringing down the South African maul.
The Springboks are expected to continue using their forward strength as a major attacking option in Friday’s encounter.
Injuries Force Changes to France’s Selection
France will enter the match with several players unavailable because of injuries, particularly among the forwards.
Head coach Fabien Galthié has recalled experienced players, including hooker Julien Marchand, as he prepares his team for the challenge.
The French forwards’ injury list includes Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Demba Bamba, Marko Gazotti, Oscar Jegou and Anthony Jelonch.
France have also made changes to their backline arrangements, with Antoine Dupont moved to flyhalf to cover for injuries in that department.
Romain Ntamack is unavailable after dislocating his shoulder during France’s 54-17 victory over Fiji on 7 November.
Springboks and France Set for Paris Encounter
South Africa and France will meet at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday, 13 November, with kick-off scheduled for 21:10.
The Springboks will aim to maintain their Nations Championship campaign with another victory, while France will need to manage South Africa’s driving maul despite their injury concerns.
The effectiveness of the South African set piece is expected to be a significant factor in the contest.
