South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks will fly their flag high when they face France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals this weekend.

Zizi Kodwa, the nation’s minister of sport, announced on Tuesday that an appeal had been filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in opposition to a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruling.

To comply with new WADA regulations, South Africa has until Friday to update its anti-doping legislation, but it is almost certain to miss the deadline.

“Whatever happened we would be representing South Africa,” Erasmus told reporters

“Even if it went the other way the boys would be totally focused on the match.

“We’re glad that it’s in a way sorted out,” he added.

This weekend in Paris, the World Cup champions of Erasmus will take on Antoine Dupont, the captain of France.

The significant scrum-half, who fractured his cheekbone three weeks ago, has been given the go-ahead to resume full training.

“I broke my jaw three times and you can get leaner because you can’t eat!” Erasmus joked.

“A lack of fitness won’t be a problem for him.

“The surgeon cleared him.

“I have no doubt he will play and will be a big challenge for us to try and contain him,” he added.

Photo by Steve Haag Sports