England v South Africa: Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final – live

From a pre-tournament position with little hope of triumph England have bloody-mindedly scrapped, drop-goaled and fought their way to being one game away from a consecutive final appearance and possibly - maybe - winning the whole thing. Could it be that like with Jamal Malik, it could simply be that for this achievement “it is written”? Hope springs infernal.

But hope is a dangerous thing for Steve Borthwick, his players and the fans. As for every admirable occasion of England’s scrapping and the rest, South Africa will point out that during their run to this stage they have done the same or better only backwards and in heels. An electric France have been despatched in a febrile home atmosphere, while the defeat to Ireland in the group stages featured some of their greatest hits in defence and up front. It’s not unreasonable to point out that England have not faced anything of equivalent intensity thus far.

Borthwick will take inspiration from being the only undefeated side remaining, and reflect that many of the killer Boks’ points in the first half vs Les Bleus were the result of home side errors or failing to deal with some towering kicks – largely the only attacking pattern South Africa had. Steward et al will fancy their chances of diffusing more bombs here. And it was in the semis four years ago that they arrived much unfancied and smashed a powerful New Zealand into a fine paste.

However, both sides will also recall what happened a week later as South Africa closed out a one-sided final with much ease delivered by their physical dominance and astuteness. Eben Etzebeth and the rest of the pack will be bringing this to mind along with the recent awkward time that the England forwards had in the scrum vs Fiji.

Whatever happens in this match the RFU annual statement will speak of achievement in this tournament, and given the form coming in a win here would be one for the ages; while South Africa would now consider reaching the final no better than par.

Upset or expected victory? Not long to wait to find out.