SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said on Tuesday the Springbok they will play in the traditional Green and Gold for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final showdown against France at the iconic Stade de France.
"First thing is, even if it went the other way, obviously the ideal is the way it is going now that is suspended for a while and we can concentrate on playing for South Africa. We can confirm we are also wearing our usual green and gold jersey. So even if it went the other way the boys are focused on the match. Whatever happened we knew we were going to represent South Africa but it is good to hear it is in a way sorted out."
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will announce his team on Friday as opposed to earlier in the week, a decision that has attracted media interest in the global spectacle.
Erasmus said the coaches were still undecided about their team selection for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final showdown.
"We have been mixing and matching for the last year and making sure almost in every single position that we can have someone just as good, in some cases we are not even sure who is the best. Keeping our options open for a seven-one, a six-two or a five-three with both Handre [Pollard] and Manie [Libbok] being available.
There is nobody with an injury, Lukhanyo [Am] is fully fit. We sort of have made up our mind but we're in between at this stage. Tomorrow internally we will confirm that. I think having everybody available and seeing what the French team look like, may have an influence on us going seven-one or a six-two."
Erasmus was proud of the team’s disciplinary record in the tournament so far, and he hoped they could continue on that path as they attempt to book a spot in the semi-final.
"So yes no cards, I think we are fourth lowest for penalty count. We had to earn it back, we had to earn the respect back and I think it is showing at this stage that it works both ways."
Erasmus said the experience of playing against France in Marseille 11 months ago had prepared them well for the challenge ahead this weekend.
“It was a fantastic experience even though we got a red card and lost the match,” said Erasmus.
"It was a fantastic experience. I sat with the reserves. When we got the red card on Pieter-Steph Du Toit it was one of the matches that we have lost that I felt almost the most proud in the dressing room afterwards with how players made plans."
"For us to get that red card, I know they also got one a little later. To be in that game until the last three or four minutes helped us, well I hope helps us for Sunday. We have a lot of players [in the squad now] who were involved then. I must say the best thing out of that, out of my whole rugby and coaching career it was one of the most intensive and delightful situations to be in and I'm pretty sure Sunday is going to be the same."
"Actually enjoyed, with all the respect to the French crowd it was an unbelievable experience. You can't even hear what they sing sometimes or whistling or what they are doing but you can feel it's buzzing and they are enjoying it. There's pressure on us and there's pressure on their own players for expectations, the referee is under pressure with [decisions]. The crowd are really exciting.
When quizzed about the possible return of French captain and scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, Erasmus had no doubt he would play on Sunday: “A lack of fitness will not be a problem for him. He always looks in control, and France and the world have respect for him. He’s not afraid to tackle either. I have no doubt he’ll play, and it will be a big challenge to contain him.”