Rugby World Cup LIVE: England and South Africa clash for spot in final
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Key posts
- Yesterday …
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The coaches
Boks head coach Jacques Nienaber says ”we’ve got ot play the conditions out there. That’s going to be the key.” What Nienaber means is that it’s been pissing down in Paris and looks grey out there now.
Steve Borthwick, meanwhile, talks about his three changes to England’s starting side. “They’re right for this game tonight and that’s a sign of the strength of the team to bring payers of that standard into the starting team.”
A look back at yesterday’s match
Peter FitzSimons writes that the All Blacks have proved some things are inevitable:
It was more a quarter-final match played on the date of the semi-finals by error of seeding, transplanted here by cosmic mistake – just as last week’s Ireland v All Blacks thriller, and the epic clash between the Springboks and France decided in the last second were semi-finals played early.
Going into this match we all expected the Pumas to be valiant, creative and daring, only to be crushed by a runaway All Blacks bulldozer.
My rugby friends? Just that happened before our very eyes – everything we had predicted, and feared.
Will Jordan crosses for his third try as the All Blacks secure a place in their fifth World Cup final.Credit: Getty
Teams
A hint may lie in the changes – ie which team has made a lot and which team has made none. South Africa are unchanged from their 29-28 epic quarter-final over hosts France. England, converesly have made eight changes, with head coach Steve Borthwick opting for Joe Marler move in at loose-head over Ellis Genge and George Martin getting the nod over Ollie Chessum.
With Marcus Smith out following his head injury against Fiji, Freddie Steward is back at full-back.
England: Freddie Steward; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell (c), Alex Mitchell; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Dan Cole; Maro Itoje, George Martin; Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry, Ben Earl
Replacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Ollie Chessum, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence
South Africa: Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach; Steven Kitshoff, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi (c), Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Duane Vermeulen
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard, Willie le Roux
Yesterday …
… all my troubles seemed so far away. The All Blacks were rolling Argentina into a workable dough and we need not worry about them until the final. Yesterday was for watching the other semi, rather than contemplating our own. Yesterday, we were not so close to smelling the grass at Stade de France with the sole purpose of trying to see off the defending champions. Now it looks as though they’re here to stay (unless there’s a late drop goal to be had). Ah, England. Undefeated England. England who have not done this pretty, but have at least done it. England who will face the Springboks, who are themselves not known for their artistic flourishes but are more consistent with their grit. I’m not claiming England cannot win, I’m just claiming it will be difficult. England did it tough against Fiji in their quarter; South Africa did it tough against France. See where my head’s at? Good. Let’s go.
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