South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has named an unchanged squad for the Rugby World Cup semi-final against England in Paris on Saturday (8pm UK time); Eight of the Springboks squad started in the win over England in the final four years ago
Last updated: 10/19/23 8:25 am
South African head coach Jacques Nienaber has named an unchanged team for the World Cup semi-final against England
Jacques Nienaber has named an unchanged South African squad for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England in Paris.
The reigning champions booked their place in the last four with a 29-28 win over hosts France in the quarter-finals last Sunday and have opted to stick with the same team for the rematch of the final four years ago.
It is only the second time Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus have named an unchanged South African side in the 64 Tests they have been in charge.
“We have built a quality Rugby World Cup squad in recent years so that we could go into the knockout matches in this position,” Nienaber said.
“We have a squad of 33 players, all of whom are very evenly matched in terms of skills and quality of play. That made it tempting to make changes this week and it was difficult to select this group both last week and this week.
“But we feel now is the time to go with the players in the squad who we think are in their best form.”
Eight South Africa players – Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe – started the 32-12 win over England in the World Cup final of 2019.
Nienaber hopes that that experience will come in handy again at the Stade de France, although he expects a stiff challenge from Steve Borthwick’s team, who are the only undefeated team still in the tournament.
“They have five wins in a row and they have a lot of confidence,” Nienaber said. “They have a quality package and world-class backs who can create magic on the pitch, and those who write them off are making a big mistake.
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Action from Sunday’s 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals as South Africa defeated France in a powerhouse match after England beat Fiji in a thriller.
“Like us, they are one game away from a World Cup final and we have seen in the history of the tournament that England have taken their game to the next level for these games. If we lose we will have to go into the play-offs for the playing third place – which is not the case.” team wants to do.
“We are closely matched in terms of average age and caps of players, both teams are used to playing on the biggest stage. It’s do-or-die if either of them wants to lift the trophy next week, so neither side will give any reward.” thumb.”
The South African team takes on England
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.
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.