England and South Africa meet in the second semi-final of the Rugby World Cup, with the Red Rose looking for redemption.

The Boks won 32-12 when the sides met in the final four years ago and, while they always appeared in control, the game was closer than the final scoreline suggested.

England were enjoying the momentum when trailing 18-12 around the hour mark, but converted tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe gave their opponents a record-equalling third global triumph.

Both have selected 13 survivors from that game in Yokohama in their matchday squads and, with the winner going on to meet either Argentina or New Zealand, the result could again favour the Boks on Saturday.

Team news

England have made three changes from the XV that beat Fiji 30-24 in the quarter-finals. Joe Marler replaces Ellis Genge at loosehead prop, while lock George Martin starts, replacing Leicester Tigers colleague Ollie Chessum, who drops to the bench.

Fellow Leicester star Freddie Steward also comes in, taking over from Marcus Smith at full-back.

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has named an unchanged matchday 23 from their 29-28 victory against France with Cobus Reinach and Duane Vermeulen, Player of the Match four years ago, retained at scrum-half and number eight.

That means the Boks have decided to stick with a more traditional five-three split among the replacements, meaning experienced half-backs Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard will be waiting in the wings.

Match odds

England are the 9/2 underdogs heading into the match, with the tie in 80 minutes 25/1 and the Boks just 1/5.

The Handicap 3-Way is set at 13, with England 10/11 at +13, with South Africa also 10/11 but -13, while Cheslin Kolbe is EVS in the Anytime betting.

South Africa 1-12 Points Inclusive @ 19/10

South Africa’s 20-point win in Yokohama was the right outcome, but probably with a scoreline that was unfair to England.

The pair are 1-1 in their head-to-head since that match, but the Boks triumphed 27-13 in the most recent in November 2022.

Nienaber’s team again look superior nine of the 15 meetings since the pair met in the 2007 final have been settled by less than 12 points, while there has also been a draw.

South Africa have been more expansive this year but know how to get the job done. With rain forecast for Paris, they will back their defence against England’s attack and could edge to victory.

Kurt-Lee Arendse Anytime Tryscorer @ 11/10

Arendse has made a stunning start to life in international rugby, grabbing 13 tries in as many caps, including two at the current tournament.

His score against France saw him showcase both his raw pace and rugby intelligence, tracking a Reinach box kick and then springing on a dropped ball to run in unimpeded.

With a slippery ball likely, the Boks will be happy to kick it away and he will be there to capitalise on any England errors.