5 Key head-to-head battles: South Africa vs France

With South Africa taking on France in their second test in Durban we take a look at the key head-to-head battles that could decide the match. 

France have made 8 changes to their starting line-up that did duty against the Springboks in Pretoria, while South Africa has made 1 change as Jesse Kriel is replaced by Lionel Mapoe.

Malcolm Marx vs Guilhem Guirado

Marx started for the first time in a Springbok jersey in the first Test and was named the man of the match for his efforts. 

In this Test he will be going toe-toe with one of the finest hookers in Europe, Guilhem Guirado, the French captain has made over 50 test appearances for France and will prove to be a tough customer for Marx.

Warren Whiteley vs Louis Picamoles

Both players had relatively quiet matches, for their high standards, in the first test and will both be looking to improve this time out.

Picamoles 113kg bulky frame provides the French with good front foot ball and will carry the ball to the South African defence with every opportunity he is given.

Whiteley, on the other hand, will use his speed to attack the space and beat the defender.

The two no.8s could prove to be game-changers in Durban as they both possess exceptional skills with the ball in hand.

Ross Cronje vs Baptiste Serin 

Both scrumhalves got their names on the scoresheet in the first test and will be looking to build on their solid starts to the series. 

Serin will provide France with an additional goalkicking boot and has the ability to take the game away from the opposition in an instance. 

Cronje, on the other hand, will be playing his second Test for the Springboks and has already shown he is a tactical scrumhalf that will dictate and control the Springbok attack throughout the game.

Andries Coetzee vs Scott Spedding 

Andries Coetzee and Scott Spedding are very similar in the style of player with both players possessing a solid boot and electrifying pace.

Coetzee made an impressive start to his international career in the first match as he created a try from just about nothing and will relish the opportunity to test himself against the French again.

Raymond Rhule vs Virimi Vakatawa 

Rhule will be playing in just his 2nd Test match and will once again be facing the Fijian-born Virimi Vakatawa on Saturday.

Rhule held his own on defence against Vakatawa in the first Test and will need to replicate that performance again this weekend.

Both players are gifted with pace and the ability to step meaning either player could open up the game for their side.

South Africa host France in Durban at 17:00 (local time) on Saturday, follow the match here