8:55 p.m. – Both teams are on the pitch
The Stade de France is ready and the two teams have returned to the pitch at the Dyonisian enclosure for this England – South Africa which will begin in five minutes.
20:49 – A well-known referee
The Springboks will find a referee who smiled at them during the quarter-final against France. Indeed, Ben O’Keeffe was appointed to referee this England – South Africa despite the numerous controversies which erupted after the match between the Blues and the South Africans. Certain decisions by the New Zealand lawyer have caused a lot of talk. He also received a fairly stormy reception when he was warming up.
20:42 – Who to join New Zealand?
This England – South Africa is the second semi-final of this Rugby World Cup 2023 after that of this Friday between New Zealand and Argentina. The All Blacks entered the final without trembling (44-6) and are now awaiting their opponent who will be known in a little over two hours.
20:35 – The final square smiles on the XV de la Rose
Beyond being the only undefeated team in this 2023 Rugby World Cup, the XV de la Rose can build on its good performances when playing in the semi-finals of a World Cup. The English have won 4 of the last 5 semi-finals they have played.
20:28 – A 46th clash
England and South Africa will face each other this evening for the 46th time in their history and the results are in favor of the Springboks. Indeed, the latter have beaten the XV de la Rose 27 times against 2 draws and 16 defeats.
20:21 – Siya Kolisi in history
The South African captain will play his 11th match as captain during this England – South Africa. This is quite simply a record for the selection at three World Cups in a World Cup. He equals former South Africa player John Smit.
20:14 – A second final in a row?
The XV de la Rose could, at the end of this England – South Africa, join, for the second time in a row, a World Cup final. One factor works in their favor because they had already reached the final in 2007 when the World Cup was played in France like this year.
20:07 – Team compositions
Here is a reminder of the two team compositions of this England – South Africa. Steve Borthwick made three changes compared to the quarter-final won by the XV de la Rose against Fiji (30-24). Freddie Steward returns to the back while Joe Marler and George Martin also enter the starting XV. The English line-up: Steward – May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly – (o) Farrell (captain), (m) Mitchell – Curry, Earl, Lawes – Martin, Itoje – Cole, George, Marler.
Opposite, Jacques Nienaber did not change his team which beat France in the quarter-final (29-28). Here is the Boks starting XV: Willemse – Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe – (o) Libbok, (m) Reinach – Du Toit, Vermeulen, Kolisi (captain) – Mostert, Etzebeth – Malherbe, Mbonambi, Kitshoff.
8:00 p.m. – Good evening everyone
Good evening everyone and welcome to the Internet user’s site to follow live commentary on this England – South Africa which is the second semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.