England v South Africa: England make three changes for Rugby World Cup semi-final, Springboks unchanged

England have made three changes to their side for their Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Saturday.

“After an excellent few days preparation in Paris, we look forward to the challenge of playing the world champions and number one ranked team in the world,” England head coach Steve Borthwick said.

“Through this tournament the team has progressed, with the players repeatedly finding a way to win, sometimes in challenging circumstances. We will once again need to be at our very best this weekend as we face an excellent team in South Africa.

“There is no doubt the players will truly relish the challenge of knockout rugby under the lights in Paris. These players will, as they have done in every game of this tournament, give absolutely everything in the semi-final to get the result we want.

“I also know that our supporters will once again be there in their thousands, playing their part in backing the team with a full voice. To all those who have travelled and to all those lending their support and encouragement from home, I say ‘thank you’.”

Half-backs Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok keep their places in the starting XV. Fly-half Handre Pollard will remain on the bench.

“We’ve been building a quality Rugby World Cup squad for the last few years so that we could be in this position going into the knockout matches,” said Nienaber.

“Like us, they are one game away from a World Cup final and we’ve seen through the history of the tournament that England raise their game for these matches.

“We are closely matched in terms of average player age and caps, both teams are used to playing on the biggest stage. This is do-or-die if either wants to the lift the trophy next week.”

Eight of South Africa’s team – 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 2019 World Cup final.

Nienaber says he is expecting England to use all their experience to produce a tough test for his Springboks side.

“They come off five victories in a row and they are high on confidence,” he said.

“They have a quality pack and world-class backs who can create magic on the field, and those who are writing them off are making a major mistake.

“Like us, they are one game away from a World Cup final and we’ve seen through the history of the tournament that England raise their game for these matches. If we lose, we have to play the third-place playoff – which no team wants to do.

“We are closely matched in terms of average player age and caps, both teams are used to playing on the biggest stage. This is do-or-die if either of wants to the lift the trophy next week, so neither side will give an inch.”

England: Steward, May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly, Farrell, Mitchell, Marler, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Genge, Sinckler, Chessum, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence.

South Africa: Willemse, Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe, Libbok, Reinach, Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Koch, Snyman, Smith, De Klerk, Pollard, Le Roux.