Bok coach on benching Makazole Mapimpi: 'This was the best combination to face the French'

In somewhat of a surprising move, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber opted for a back three without winger Makazole Mapimpi in his run-on XV to face France in Marseille on Saturday.

It's the first time in his career that Mapimpi will come off the bench for the Springboks, and it's an interesting decision by Nienaber, considering the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner's undoubted strike ability.

And that's something South Africa were in short supply of in their defeat against Ireland last weekend.

Speaking to the media after naming the 23-man squad to take on the No 2 ranked nation in the world, Nienaber explained his decision, saying the combination of Willie Le Roux, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe was the best combination to face Les Bleus. 

"Then we know what Cheslin and Kurt-Lee can offer on the wings, while Makazole will bring us more quality to come off the bench. So we just thought this was the best combination to face the French, who have a different style of play."

Saturday's game in Marseilles kicks off at 22:00 (SA time).