2023 Rugby World Cup Semi-final: England vs. South Africa- team, line-up, head-to-head, where to watch

When England take on South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final, all eyes will be set on Freddie Steward and Joe Marler. Steward was left out of the quarter-final win over Fiji, though he has been their first-choice full-back since his Test debut in July 2021. He has replaced Marcus Smith after he failed the return-to-play protocols after a knock in the quarter-final win over Fiji. Similarly, George Martin will come into the second row in place of Ollie Chessum.

England have experience

Vice-captain Ellis Genge and George Ford will sit on the bench and Owen Farrell will retain his fly-half role. England players have enough experience, it is clear as thirteen of England's squad played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. South Africa, who started as underdogs, won in the final 32-12.

Start Time, Venue

The England vs. South Africa semi-final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be played on Saturday, October 21, at Stade de France in Paris. It will kick off at 20:00 BST.

Where to watch

SuperSport will show both semi-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The England vs. South Africa semi-final will be also shown on SABC. BBC Radio 5 will give its commentary live. Besides, the text updates of the England vs. South Africa semi-final will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.

Head-to-head

England and South Africa have earlier played twice together. England registered a narrow win in 2021 while South Africa comfortably won a year later at Twickenham. That marked the end of Eddie Jones' reign as England coach.

England line-up: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Marler, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Curry, Earl.

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

Talking to BBC Sport, England captain Farrel said, "This feels like a new challenge and a new opportunity. In four years a lot happens in rugby, a lot happens in a week here."

South Africa

South Africa are full of optimism as they have replaced Ireland as the Test's rugby number one side. They are considered the tournament favorites. South Africa defeated New Zealand by a record score in August.

But they have to face England, which are ranked fifth in the world and the only unbeaten team left in the tournament. They are the only pool winners to reach the semi-finals. On the other hand, South Africa were runners-up in their pool after they were thrashed 13-8 by Ireland in their third game in France.

FAQs:

How many times have England and South Africa clashed earlier?
England and South Africa have earlier played twice together. England registered a narrow win in 2021 while South Africa comfortably won a year later at Twickenham.

Where will the England vs. South Africa semi-final match take place?
The England vs. South Africa semi-final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be played on Saturday, October 21, at Stade de France in Paris. It will kick off at 20:00 BST.