South Africa name unchanged side to face England in World Cup semi-final
South Africa have stuck with the same 23-man squad that eliminated France from the Rugby World Cup for Saturday’s semi-final against England.
The head coach, Jacques Nienaber, will stay with the tried and tested side, naming the same starting XV and replacements that overcame the hosts 29-28 on Sunday. The Springboks have emerged without any injuries from a thrilling and physical quarter-final in Paris.
“Competition for places in the team is very tight and the coaches had a few in depth discussions before finalising the team,* Nienaber told a press conference. “But there were no medical issues. The guys who got selected deserve it. If you have continued selection, your chances of success are better. Continuity builds momentum and confidence within the group.”
Quick GuideSouth Africa team to face England
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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.
Fifteen of their matchday 23 for Saturday’s showdown played in the 2019 World Cup final, where they beat England 32-12 in Yokohama. With a total of 895 caps, it is also the most experienced starting line-up the Springboks have ever fielded.
“This may not have much significance, but the fact remains that these players have been here before, and they know what it will take to defeat a top-quality team such as England,” Nienaber added.
“They’ve got a unique kicking game that they employ,” the head coach said of England. “They are comfortable not playing with the ball and they like to suffocate and strangle you. Tactically we know what is coming our way so we must make sure we execute our plans.”
South Africa’s depth from the bench helped to secure victory over France, with the replacement scrum-half Faf De Klerk and fly-half Handré Pollard coming on just five minutes into the second half.
Pollard, who kicked 22 points in the 2019 World Cup final win over England, expects Steve Borthwick’s side to “take their intensity and physicality to a whole new level” on Saturday. “That’s always a part of the game we love, and if there’s going to be beef, there’s going to be beef,” added the Leicester Tigers player.
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The Boks will kick off on Saturday as the world’s No 1-ranked team, having overtaken Ireland in the standings this week. England have moved up to fifth place. New Zealand climb to second with their semi-final opponents, Argentina, in seventh.
More to follow