Rugby World Cup: England eyes back-to-back final facing defending champs South Africa

Saturday, 21 October 2023 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

England will bid to make back-to-back Rugby World Cup finals when they face defending champions South Africa in the second semi-final in Paris on Saturday.

The game is a repeat of the 2019 final when South Africa, who started as underdogs, triumphed 32-12 in Japan.

The Springboks knocked out hosts France in a thrilling quarter-final and are ranked the world’s number one team. Steve Borthwick’s England overcame a spirited Fiji 30-24 to extend their winning run to five games in France.

Three-time world champions South Africa finished runners-up in their pool – losing to Ireland – but produced an impressive performance against the hosts in an epic Test match.

England, the only undefeated side left in the competition, have had a much smoother path to the semi-finals with pool wins over Argentina, Japan, Chile and Samoa.

In total, 26 of the 43 players who featured in the 2019 final are involved on Saturday.

The winner will play either Argentina or New Zealand in the final at the Stade de France on Saturday, 28 October.

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