The scars of the Boks’ 29-28 victory over Les Bleus in the 2023 Rugby World Cup are still showing clearly in the French capital, and Wiese said the Boks had to be at their best to get the desired result.

“I think they are still carrying a lot of hurt, and as you can see, they have come out and said they want to avenge that defeat, so it’s going to be a good challenge,” said Wiese.

“They experienced genuine hurt after the World Cup, so I think we can expect them to be very emotional and up for this game. If there is one game we have to be very up for, it is this game.”

Wiese spoke highly of the French pack and said the forward battle would be decisive in the outcome of the match.

“France have made a statement in the last couple of years with their physicality and how big they are, and I think Saturday will be the same again, with two big packs colliding,” said Wiese.

“From a forward perspective, we know what to expect from them. They are big boys, and they are going to try and bully you, while they also have flair in their backline, so as a forward, it will be important to stop their momentum. Obviously, the backs have a different job to do.

“We analysed them well this week, and that’s definitely where it could come down to.”

Asked about his memories of the RWC quarter-final, Wiese said: “I wasn’t fortunate enough to play (in that match), but I sat in the stands, and I can remember that the crowd was very loud and France started very well.

“I think they scored in the third or fourth minute, but we stuck to our guns. We knew what the plan was, and our forwards tried to make a bigger impact.

“The guys who didn’t play sat next to the coaches and just tried to make plans and tell the players what we think they should do. There were massive moments in the game, which shifted the momentum for us, and in the end, we got through it.”

The match at Stade de France kicks off at 22h10 and will be broadcast live on the Grandstand and the SS Rugby channels during DStv Open Time.