South Africa has named an unchanged lineup for their World Cup semi-final clash against England in Paris, following their thrilling quarter-final victory over France.
Key players like Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok will continue in the starting XV, with Handre Pollard on the bench. Head coach Jacques Nienaber maintains a 5-3 split between forwards and backs among his replacements.
Reinach, who excelled in dealing with the French kicking game, retains his spot at scrum-half, taking over from the regular starter, Faf de Klerk, who started on the bench during the quarter-final. Eight of the starting XV were part of the squad that secured victory over England in the World Cup final in Japan four years ago. The back row remains unchanged, with captain Siya Kolisi alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen.
South Africa’s sole defeat in France came during the pool stage against Ireland, while England enters the semi-final after their quarter-final win over Fiji.
Nienaber stated, “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. Like us, they are one game away from a World Cup final, and we’ve seen through the history of the tournament that England raises 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 of us wants to lift the trophy next week.”
Experienced full-back Willie le Roux, RG Snyman, and Kwagga Smith are among the replacements, known for their impactful contributions during the quarter-final. The victor of this match will face either Argentina or New Zealand in the final at the Stade de France on October 28.
Line-up 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.
Source: BBC Sports
