England vs South Africa – Rugby World Cup 2023: Smith NOT in Red Rose squad for huge semifinal – stream FREE, TV, teams | The Sun
October 19, 2023ENGLAND are dreaming of ending a 20-year Rugby World Cup drought – but first they must overcome reigning champions South Africa in the semi-final.
Steve Borthwick's men were pushed to the wire in their last-eight contest against Fiji.
England led 24-10 but two converted tries from Fiji put the contest on a knife-edge – before Owen Farrell kicked six-straight points to secure a 30-24 win, including a well-worked drop-goal.
But the Red Rose have an even bigger task on their hands as they now face the holders – who came out on top in a Paris thriller against France just hours after their own win.
The Springboks were forced to come from behind in the second half to narrowly beat the hosts 29-28.
Recent history also favours South Africa, who famously broke English hearts in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
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What is their form like?
England are the only team in the competition still yet to taste defeat, and beat fellow semi-finalists Argentina despite having a player sent off in the second minute.
They dominated Fiji for large parts before being undone by a quick flurry of tries, which will be a worry for head coach Borthwick.
Meanwhile, South Africa appear to be hitting their best form after suffering a loss to Ireland in the pool stage.
They scored four tries against France and a terrific defensive performance in the second half saw them concede just six points to progress to the semi-final.
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What is the team news?
Marcus Smith is not in the squad for England's tasty semifinal against South Africa.
Whereas South African gaffer Rassie Erasmus has named an unchanged side.
England XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jonny May, Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuliagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Joe Marier, 2 Jamie George, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin, 6 Courtney Lawes, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Ben Earl.
England replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Ollie Lawrence.
South Africa XV: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach; 1 Steven Kitshoff, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Duane Vermeulen.
South Africa replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.
Ones to watch
Cheslin Kolbe was one of the stars in the win over France with a brilliant try in the first half further proving the threat he poses on the wing.
But his charge down of a France conversion was even more impressive and was vital to victory, with South Africa winning by just a point.
Keeping the blistering Kolbe quiet is a tall order but if they achieve it England could book their place in the final.
But South Africa have more than one way to win and their effectiveness at the breakdown has been critical to their success in recent years.
England props Kyle Sinkler and Joe Marler will need to be at their best, particularly in the scrum, but it is the enigmatic Ben Earl who could provide a spark.
His ability to break lines has been key to relieving pressure for his side and offers an alternative to the kicking game which bogged down England in their 2019 final defeat to the Springboks.
What have the managers said?
Boss Erasmus is well aware of the threat posed by England, partly because England assistant boss Aled Walters used to be Springbok's fitness coach.
Erasmus praised his opposite number Borthwick while stating it will not be an easy game.
He said: "We know how fit Aled will have them and some of our players play in the Premiership, but over and above that Steve [Borthwick] is a good coach.
"It's going to be a very tough test against a team that hasn't lost a game."
SunSport prediction
South Africa appear to be unbeatable after soaking up immense France pressure to overcome the hosts.
They showed brilliant experience and mouse to find a way to win on Sunday so it is difficult to see them losing here. 17-10 to the Springboks.
When is England vs South Africa?
- England's mouthwatering semifinal contest against South Africa will take place on Saturday, October 21.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.
- Stade de France, Saint-Denis is the allocated arena for this huge Rugby World Cup tie and it can host around 80,000 roaring fans.
- South Africa ran out 27-13 winners against England in their most recent encounter.
What TV channel is England vs South Africa on and can it be live streamed?
- England vs South Africa will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1.
- Coverage is scheduled to commence from 7:15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the action through the ITVX app which is available for download on any tablet or mobile device.
- Alternatively, follow SunSport's live blog for the entire coverage.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
England vs South Africa can be watched for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV license.
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What are the latest odds?
- England to win 6/1
- Draw 25/1
- South Africa to win 1/8
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
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