French build strong case for the defence ahead of S Africa clash

PARIS : France conceded three tries per game during their World Cup preparations but once the tournament started, their defence was back to its best - a key factor as the knockout phase looms.

Les Bleus conceded fewest points (32) in the pool phase and they have shown great discipline with only four penalties against them against New Zealand and six against Italy.

Defence coach Shaun Edwards is therefore a happy man.

"We conceded 32 points in the pool stages which is the lowest in the competition. I'm pleased with that," he wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

Former Ireland international Bernard Jackman said the World Cup would be "won by the defence coaches" and if that is the case, France are well placed after near flawless displays against New Zealand, Namibia and Italy when they conceded a only three tries and 14 penalties.

France have been working with former referee Jerome Garces, who took charge of the 2019 World Cup final.

"It's a key factor in winning. (Against New Zealand), we were almost perfect with situations where we were really pushed to the limit, where we were even on the back foot at times," France assistant coach Laurent Labit said.

"That just goes to show the work that Jerome and the players have put in."

France have also rediscovered their ruck prowess with the return of flanker Anthony Jelonch part of a formidable back row who in average miss less than one out of 10 tackles per test.

The French, however, have yet to be properly tested under high balls, a weapon the South Africans will surely use to put fullback Thomas Ramos under pressure.

Should he be fit to play, however, scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, has the ability to pressurise opponents with his own very precise kicks.

If the captain is not ready to