Rassie hopes Kolbe can kick doubters over the poles with immaculate showing against France

In Marseille

SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus hopes that Cheslin Kolbe can prove his doubters wrong from a kicking perspective when the Boks face France in Marseille on Saturday.

The build-up to the 45th Test between the nations has been dominated by South Africa's lack of a recognised goalkicker.

In the absences of Handre Pollard and Frans Steyn through injuries and Elton Jantjies absent through personal matters, the Boks have had to look elsewhere for goalkickers.

That responsibility has now been handed to utility back Cheslin Kolbe and has been given the full backing by his captain Siya Kolisi and coach Jacques Nienaber.

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Erasmus is also firmly in his corner as the Boks go into the game with Kolbe, Damian Willemse and Faf de Klerk being the designated kickers.

Manie Libbok is also on the bench, and should he become the 920th Springbok when he gets onto the field.

Erasmus said they're very considerate and calm when it comes to the choice of kickers and on the field, it's a decision that's left to the players.

"Sometimes, when Morne Steyn plays, Chris Smith does the goalkicking. I've seen many times where Elton Jantjies was playing at the Lions and someone else did the goalkicking," Erasmus said.

"There could be many things. There could be a dip, a difference in kicking style, but we don't go into a game saying if a person doesn't kick well, we take them off.

"It's a considered and measured thing where the guys agree when the changes happen on the field. As coaches, we don't make those kinds of decisions.

France

15 Thomas Ramos; 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Yoram Moefana; 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain); 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6