The Springbok lineup to face England at 2023 RWC. Photo: SA Rugby website.
Check out all the key information for the Springboks’ World Cup semi-final clash against England, which kicks off on Saturday night.
The Springbok lineup to face England at 2023 RWC. Photo: SA Rugby website.
The day has nearly arrived for the Springboks to tackle England in the hopes of securing a victory that would put them through to another World Cup final.
There is no doubt that South Africa are favourites, but they will want to be wary of an England side that is embracing the underdog tag as they head into this second semi-final. New Zealand and Argentina face off first on Friday night.
The match at Stade de France will kick off at 21:00 (SA and France time), and will be broadcast on SuperSport and SABC.
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Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.
England – 15 Freddie Steward; 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly; 10 Owen Farrell (c), 9 Alex Mitchell; 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes; 5 George Martin, 4 Maro Itoje; 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George, 1 Joe Marler.
Subs: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Ollie Lawrence.
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Meanwhile, in terms of the match officials, Ben O’Keeffe – who refereed the Springboks’ quarter-final against France – will once again be the man with the whistle.
Date: Saturday, October 21
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Kick-off: 21.00 (19.00 GMT; 20.00 UK & Ireland time; 21.00 SAST)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
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Springbok record against England:
Played: 45; Won 27; Lost 16; Drawn 2; Points for 972; Points against 769; Tries scored: 88; Tries against: 58; Highest score: 58-10; Biggest win 48 points. Win percentage 60%.
Milestones:
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Miscellaneous: