French rugby’s much-anticipated team announcement for Saturday night’s blockbuster Test against the Springboks, took an unexpected turn when the National Rugby League (LNR) accidentally leaked the lineup a full day early.

The official unveiling of Fabien Galthié’s matchday squad was only scheduled for Thursday, 48 hours before the Paris showdown. However, the LNR briefly published an article revealing the French XV that will take on the world champions – confirming the selections already reported by Rugbyrama.

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The now-deleted post even stated: “The starting fifteen for the first match of this autumn tour was revealed this Thursday by Fabien Galthié.” The problem? It was only Wednesday.

Within an hour, the article was taken down and replaced by an “Error 404” message, but not before screenshots of the lineup began circulating widely on social media.

The premature leak is a minor embarrassment for French rugby authorities and will no doubt provide extra talking points at Thursday’s official press conference.

Rassie Erasmus is also expected to name his squad on Thursday.

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