The second of the semi-finals sees a rematch of the 2019 Final in Japan and the English will be looking to get one over their South African foes who have had their number in recent times. 

Nkululeko Mcuma previews the game for us.

England are the only unbeaten team left in the tournament but if there was ever a useless stat, this would be one of them as they have not been on their A game throughout the campaign. This is evidenced by the somewhat indifferent 30-24 win against Fiji where the performance was not as convincing as they would have liked.

Sunday’s game between South Africa and hosts France, delivered on all the hype that preceded it.

The South Africans needed to put in a serious shift and players such as Jesse Kriel, Bongi Mbonambi, Damien de Allende, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe to name, did exactly that. The French proved to be a tough match up for South Africa with their ability to generate quick ball through their offloading ability which nullified the Springboks rush defense. In the end South Africans won a nailbiter 29-28.

Sports can often be unpredictable and that is one of reasons why we enjoy it so much. One thing I can predict though, is that the game between these two nations will come down to who dominates the set-piece and the gain-line. If that is the case, South Africa has the edge to come out on top here as the they have the forwards to dominate up-front and with Mannie Libbok pulling the strings, they could exploit a potentially narrow England defensive line.

England rose to the occasion to beat The All Blacks in the 2019 Semi-Final so they should not be taken lightly by the Springboks.

A recall for Freddie Steward was always likely with the injury to Marcus Smith, this does add more arial ability to the English back-three which includes the experienced duo of Jonny May and Elliot Daly.

I expect a tight encounter where decision making with ball in hand will be key for both teams.

Standout Players SA: Jesse Kriel and Bongi Mbonambi

Standout Players ENG: Courtney Lawes and Manu Tuilagi

Prediction: South Africa by more than five.

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