Cape Town - When the Springboks take on France in Paris on Saturday, they will do so in the knowledge that they will be back there in 2023 for the Rugby World Cup.

Having been identified as World Rugby's preferred host nation, South Africa was then snubbed at the final hurdle as France won over the World Rugby Council to sneak in through the back door and secure the rights to host the tournament in 2023.

It has no doubt left the powers that be in SA Rugby furious.

READ: RWC 2023: Africa voted AGAINST South Africa

But, in trying to find a light at the end of the tunnel, the disappointment that followed Wednesday's announcement does make for a spicy affair at the Stade de France.

The Springboks and coach Allister Coetzee are on the ropes in a big way following this past weekend's 38-3 hammering at the hands of the Irish - who were the third nation in the running for the 2023 showpiece.

With Coetzee struggling to get the most out of his players, he has surely just been given the best possible mechanism of motivating the Boks for Saturday.

While it will not change the decision or the 2023 destination, a Springbok win on Saturday would at least make a statement.

South Africa may not have been able to beat France in the boardroom battle, but they can at least leave with their heads held high if they beat them on the pitch on Saturday.

The Boks did beat the French in all three Tests back in June, but that was on home soil.

It has been a different story away from home where, under Coetzee's leadership, they have won just once in 10 Tests.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 22:00 SA time.