France 'on alert' for South Africa despite world champions' Ireland loss

Prop Cyril Baille said France are "on alert" before facing world champions South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series in Marseille next Saturday.

France beat Australia by a point in their opening game this weekend hours after the Rugby World Cup winners lost to Ireland, who consolidated their place at the top of the rankings.

"We're always on alert for this type of match," Baille told reporters on Saturday after his country's record 11th straight victory.

"We know too well that international matches are won and lost on the fundamentals and the details.

"We're always on alert and we'll continue to learn."

Loose-head Baille, 29, is set to face an experienced Boks front row next week, coming up against the likes of Vincent Koch and Frans Malherbe, who helped their country to the Webb Ellis trophy in 2019.

"We know how they became world champions, they had a monstrous scrum and were monstrous with their fantastic backs," Baille said.

"We're expecting a very tough game and we'll put in the necessary ingredients to play well too."

Baille won his 38th cap against the Wallabies despite playing just 34 minutes this season due to a groin injury.

The Toulouse forward, one of eight from the club in the matchday squad against Australia, is set to feature against former team-mate Cheslin Kolbe after the outside back spent four seasons at Stade Ernest-Wallon before joining Toulon in August 2021.

"It's always a pleasure to see a friend again," Baille said.

"I'm very happy for him because he's often a starter with South Africa.

"We will all be happy to see him but for 80 minutes it will be intense."

'Path' to World Cup

Thibaud Flament is set to be behind Baille in the French pack. The 25-year-old lock is in his third season at Toulouse.

Flament