Who Will Win?
The Springboks will enter this semi-final encounter with England as favourites. Not only did they beat England at Twickenham last November, but South Africa have looked formidable throughout the tournament and dispatched home favourites France at the quarter-final stage.
However, there is the chance of an upset here. After all, England are now the tournament’s only unbeaten side. Plus, although Steve Borthwick’s men were unfancied prior to their first game, they’ve started to play some good rugby and they managed to dominate a powerful Fiji side at the breakdown in their quarter-final. As a result, a South Africa win is far from a foregone conclusion.
Think you know which way England vs South Africa will go? Vote in our poll.
Head-to-Head
Although the Springboks will be the favourites in this upcoming encounter, England have the edge across the last five games these sides have played against each other. This is because England have won three of the last five England vs South Africa matches, while South Africa have won two.
Crucially though, South Africa claimed victory in the most important of these matches: the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Team Form
Both sides come into this Rugby World Cup semi-final in great form. England are actually the tournament’s only unbeaten side: they’ve won all five of their games so far.
By contrast, South Africa have lost one game, a narrow 13-8 defeat against Ireland. However, they have beaten both Scotland and France since the tournament started. They also scored 76 points against Romania and 49 points against Tonga.
Below our team form guide, you can see in-depth stats about how the two sides have performed in their last five games, including stats about the number of tries they’ve scored, their overall points difference and the number of times they’ve scored the first try.
Player Head-to-Head
Big stages like the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup are where the sport’s biggest players make their names. After all, one play, one moment of brilliance or one mistake could make all the difference.
With this in mind, here’s how Owen Farrell and Handre Pollard have performed in recent England vs South Africa games. Could either of these star players earn their country a place in the Rugby World Cup final?
Other Fixtures
A Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa is arguably the highlight of the sporting calendar. However, the other Rugby World Cup semi-final featuring Argentina and New Zealand is also taking place this weekend. Check out the latest fixtures and results below.
England vs South Africa 2023: Detailed Match Preview
On Saturday 21st October, 2023, England will face South Africa in a Rugby World Cup semi-final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Both teams won scintillating quarter-final matches, and both will feel as though they’re playing something close to their best rugby entering this clash.
On form, many would predict that South Africa’s power and flair will be too much for England. However, although Steve Borthwick’s men have appeared limited at times, they’re also the only unbeaten team in the tournament and they put together some stunning moves against Fiji. As a result, they may believe that they’re peaking at the right time.
Meanwhile, although South Africa lost against Ireland in the pool stage, they have looked like a dominant force throughout this World Cup and their strength, power and guile were fully on display against France. A repeat performance of this calibre will likely see them advance once more.
We can’t wait to see how this game goes. Let us know what you think will happen in the comments.
Live Updates
Handre Pollard kicks the penalty.
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the conversion.
RG Snyman scores the try from close range.
Owen Farrell has kicked a drop goal.
Owen Farrell has kicked a penalty goal.
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the penalty goal.
Owen Farrell adds the points for England.
Manie Libbok adds the points for South Africa.
Owen Farrell kicks the penalty.
Owen Farrell has kicked a penalty goal.