‘Standout’ Earl among world’s best on current form – Sinfield

Highlights: England fend off Fiji fightback, heartbreak for France against South Africa

England defence coach Kevin Sinfield lauded No. 8 Ben Earl as one of the world’s best players in his position ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

The Saracens back rower made a big impact in his side’s nerve-racking 3src-24 victory over Fiji in the last eight, making a crucial break late in the game that ultimately helped Steve Borthwick’s side edge back in front after throwing away a 14-point lead to go level.

“He has been a standout player across the tournament,” Sinfield said.

“If you named a World XV at this moment in time, he would be close to getting in it.

“The minutes he has played and the ground that he has covered, he has done a great job for us and that is on both sides of the ball.”

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