As the countdown continues toward the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. Former Springbok Great Victor Matfield has identified France as the biggest obstacle standing. Between South Africa and a historic third consecutive world title. The Springboks became the most successful nation in Rugby World Cup history after lifting the trophy in both 2019 and 2023.
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And their ambition of completing an unprecedented three-peat is already shaping the global rugby narrative. However, according to Matfield, France is emerging as the most dangerous challenger to the defending champions. Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, the Bok centurion did not hesitate. When asked which team could derail South Africa’s World Cup ambitions.
France will be South Africa’s biggest opposition if they want to win it for a third time, Matfield said. At the last World Cup, everyone thought France would win because they were at home. Besides that quarter-final was incredibly close.
That 2023 clash between South Africa and France remains one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history, with the Springboks edging a dramatic one-point victory. The intensity besides quality of that encounter reinforced France’s status as a genuine powerhouse, and Matfield believes they are only getting stronger heading toward 2027.
Rugby World Cup: France’s Growing Depth a Major Concern for Rivals
One of the key reasons Matfield views France as South Africa’s main threat is the sheer depth of talent in the French rugby system. Unlike previous generations, where Les Bleus relied heavily on a core group of stars, today’s French squad is constantly evolving, with new players emerging and making immediate impacts.
I think they’ve still got a young team and they’re still bringing new players in all the time, Matfield explained. You think the side is settled, then someone new comes in and plays outstanding rugby. This conveyor belt of talent has been fuelled by the strength of France’s domestic competitions, particularly the Top 14, which remains one of the most competitive leagues in world rugby.
Clubs such as Bordeaux and Toulouse have not only dominated domestically but have also set the standard in European rugby, producing players capable of thriving at the highest international level. If you look at European rugby right now, Bordeaux and Toulouse are probably the two teams dominating, Matfield said. Put those players together, and you’ve got flair, power, and real physicality up front.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Flyhalf Debate: Jalibert vs Ntamack
Another area where Matfield believes France could gain a decisive edge is at fly-half, the position that often defines a team’s attacking identity. While Toulouse star Romain Ntamack has been France’s first-choice No.10 in recent seasons, Matfield believes Bordeaux playmaker Mathieu Jalibert should be the man to steer Les Bleus toward Rugby World Cup 2027.
I’m a big fan of Mathieu Jalibert, Matfield said. He’s outstanding for Bordeaux, for France. For a long time, I think they tried to keep him out to hold that spot for Ntamack, but I think Jalibert brings more to the team. Jalibert’s creativity, kicking game, and ability to play flat to the line make him one of the most dangerous attacking flyhalves in world rugby.
With France already boasting strike runners across the backline and a powerful forward pack, a fully unleashed Jalibert could make their attack even more lethal. No team in Rugby World Cup history has ever won three consecutive titles, and South Africa’s quest to achieve that milestone in Australia will be one of the defining storylines of the 2027 tournament.
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Why France is Built for Rugby World Cup Success
Matfield’s comments underline a broader truth about modern French Rugby World Cup: this is no longer a team defined by inconsistency or unpredictability. Instead, France now boasts structure, depth, and continuity, the key ingredients for success at major tournaments. With players spread across elite clubs, competition for national selection is fierce.
Ensuring that standards remain exceptionally high. Combined with tactical innovation and a growing emphasis on fitness and breakdown efficiency, France appears better equipped than ever to challenge the southern hemisphere heavyweights. For South Africa, this means their toughest tests at Rugby World Cup 2027 may well come from a familiar foe.
If history is any guide, a knockout clash between the Springboks and France could once again become one of the defining moments of the tournament. The Springboks’ blend of experience, physical dominance, and tactical discipline has served them well over the past two World Cups, but Matfield believes France’s evolution makes them uniquely suited to challenge that supremacy.
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