England and South Africa will do battle for the right to face New Zealand in next Saturday’s World Cup final. And Rassie Erasmus expects his side’s semi-final opponents England to have “some beef” with his Springboks due to their defeat in the final of the last showpiece.
South Africa director of rugby Erasmus began the mind games ahead of tonight’s Paris showdown by listing Steve Borthwick’s potential team selection. England are out for revenge after being beaten 32-12 by Erasmus’ side in the 2src19 final in Japan when they were coached by Eddie Jones.
Reigning champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites for victory and expected to face New Zealand in the final.
“To talk about the All Blacks would be disrespectful to England because they’re a massive, massive speed bump for us to get over,” said Erasmus. “More so a pothole than a speed bump because I was just looking at the possible teams I think can play. They have so many experienced players that played against us last time. I think because they’ve played us in the World Cup final they will have some beef with us. I think they will be very physical, I think they will definitely step it up.”
When is it?
England play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final tonight, Saturday, October 21. The game kicks off at 8pm UK time, 9pm local time. That’s also 9pm South African time.
Where is it?
Stade de France
Capacity: 8src,src23
South Africa have played here twice already during this year’s World Cup, losing to Ireland in the pool stages and beating France in the quarter finals. So far during this tournament England have yet to experience the stadium, which is in the north of Paris.
This stadium was historically built for the 1998 Fifa World Cup and has been the national stadium for France ever since as well as the home for the country’s rugby team. Les Bleus first played here on February 7, 1998.
How to watch on TV
ITV has exclusive broadcast rights to show the Rugby World Cup in the UK. England’s semi-final match will be on ITV 1. Read Telegraph Sport’s analysis of the best TV commentators and pundits.
Radio commentary will be available only on the BBC, across Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds service. The BBC offers a “bespoke output” in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can also follow the match here on our Telegraph Sport live blog.
Who is the referee?
Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) will
…. to be continued
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