Opinion
9 days ago International Rugby Top 100: The unluckiest players not to make the list
Some players were unlucky to miss out on our men's Top 100 list. Here are 10 who could have made it.
Paul Williams
12 Dec 2024, 6:43
Events
Commentary
Live Updates
80'
77'
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Penalty Goal
Handre Pollard kicks the penalty.
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Conversion
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the conversion.
69'
Try
RG Snyman scores the try from close range.
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Drop Goal
Owen Farrell has kicked a drop goal.
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Penalty Goal
Owen Farrell has kicked a penalty goal.
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Penalty Goal
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the penalty goal.
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Penalty Goal
Owen Farrell adds the points for England.
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Penalty Goal
Manie Libbok adds the points for South Africa.
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Penalty Goal
Owen Farrell kicks the penalty.
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Penalty Goal
Owen Farrell has kicked a penalty goal.
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Match Details
England v South Africa
Rugby World Cup - Semi Final
Sat 21st October 2023, 02:00pm CDT
Stade de France
Points Flow Chart
South Africa win +1
Time in lead
76
Mins in lead
4
95%
% Of Game In Lead
5%
71%
Possession Last 10 min
29%
0
Points Last 10 min
3
Key Events
Full Time
Pollard
77'
15 - 16
Pollard
69'
15 - 13
Snyman
68'
15 - 11
Farrell
15 - 6
52'
Half Time
Farrell
12 - 6
38'
Pollard
34'
9 - 6
Farrell
9 - 3
23'
Libbok
20'
6 - 3
Farrell
6 - 0
9'
Farrell
3 - 0
2'
Start
Win Probability
England
18% Draw
0% South Africa
82% Ruck-Won by Kyle Sinckler
Momentum
0'
HT
FT
England
South Africa
22m Entries
Avg. Points Scored
1.5
4
Entries
Avg. Points Scored
3.3
3
Entries
Attack Profile
England
South Africa
More Less ![More]()
Defence Profile
England
South Africa
More Less ![More]()
Ruck Speed
0-3 secs
3-6 secs
6+ secs
67
Rucks Won
52
Last 5 Penalties
59'
63'
64'
67'
76'
England
South Africa
Other Fixtures
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
When was the first England vs South Africa game? 
The first England vs South Africa game took place way back in 1906, when the two sides faced each other at Crystal Palace in London. This game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Have England ever played against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup?
Yes. England have faced South Africa at the Rugby World Cup five times before, including in two Rugby World Cup finals. South Africa have won ⅘ of these games, including the 2007 and the 2019 Rugby World Cup finals.
Have England ever beaten South Africa?
Yes. England and South Africa have faced off against each other in 45 test matches since 1906. England have won 16 of these, while South Africa have won 27. A further two have ended in a draw.
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The first quality team England played, first loss! Really favoured by the pool draw! If SA had taken their shots at goal, early on, they would have romped home!
Well played England. That was tough as hell.
These long waits until a 21:00 game are unbearable.
Anyway, better take the meat out the freezer for the braai later.
This whole week, I couldn’t put a finger on it, but I felt like there was going to be an upset this weekend.
Now that the Proteas have won, and that feeling has gone away…
9pm in France is 9pm in SA. not 3pm . Gave me a slight murmer of the heart.
OKeefe will try to make sure that England face the All Blacks in the final. Much easier forbthe AB.
Poor England, afraid of playing saturday night with wet balls. Make sure theres plenty of towels.
Count England out .
The determination of the Springboks underestimated by those that think that England stand a chance .
The Springboks will win their second world cup in France
I agree, Boks are good, but dont count England out.
Of course Springboks rule!
Never underestimate, self confident but not arrogant and just play the ball with skill and strength!