- Date: Saturday October 21, 20:00 BST
- Location: Stade de France, Paris, France
- Teams: England vs South Africa
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England and South Africa face off in Paris
Steve Borthwick’s England take on South Africa for a place in the World Cup final.The match is a repeat of the 2019 final as both teams look to secure a place in the 2023 showpiece. South Africa are the current favourites to win the tournament. At the time of writing bet365 have them priced at 10/11 with England third favourites at 12/1.
England
England have recovered from a disastrous build-up to progress to the semi-final stage as the only unbeaten team in the tournament. Steve Borthwick’s side may have benefited from a kinder draw than some, however, you can only beat what is in front of you and England have, so far managed to do that.
England, the first, and to date only, Northern Hemisphere side to win the tournament back in 2003, are the last remaining Northern Hemisphere team left in at the semi final stage. They endured a nervous last 20 minutes against surprise package Fiji in the quarter finals but take their place in the final four against South Africa, a nation who have frequently proved a thorn in the side for England at World Cups.
Borthwick went with Captain Owen Farrell at fly-half against Fiji the expense of in-form George Ford, with Marcus Smith at full-back. Farrell excelled, vindicating Borthwick’s selection. Farrell again starts at fly-half with George Ford adding strength in depth from the bench.
Freddie Steward’s aerial ability and Joe Marler’s scrummage power have won them semi-final starts. Steward replaces Marcus Smith, who failed the return-to-play protocols after a knock in the quarter-final win over Fiji. George Martin comes into the second row in place of Ollie Chessum. Vice-captain Ellis Genge drops to the bench.
Thirteen of England’s squad played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa, who started as underdogs, triumphed 32-12.
The two sides have met twice since with England taking a narrow win in 2021 and South Africa claiming a convincing victory a year later at Twickenham in Eddie Jones’ final match in charge.
England: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Marler, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Curry, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Genge, Sinckler, Chessum, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence.
South Africa
South Africa have been in great form for most of the tournament and are now favourites to win. They may have lost out to Ireland in their pool match in a high quality game, but came through the other pool matches impressively, play some great rugby and showing impressive strength in depth. They edged out the hosts, France, in a fantastic quarter final and will go into the England game full of confidence. They have confirmed an unchanged line-up.
South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, Reinach; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.
Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Koch, Snyman, Smith, De Klerk, Pollard, Le Roux.
Prediction
England have found a way to win throughout the tournament and Borthwick will come up with a plan to make life difficult for the Springboks. However, the quality and depth which the in-form South Africans have will probably prove a step too far for the English. We are predicting a South Africa win, possibly by five points or more. Punters who are looking for extra value might want to think about betting on the points margin.
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