“We are talking about one of the best rugby teams ever, who are aiming to go back-to-back and have evolved.”
England are all too aware of the challenge awaiting them.A Rugby World Cup semi-final with South Africa is a repeat of the 2019 final, in which they were soundly beaten.
England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth says the Springboks have developed even further as they look to win a fourth title and become the most successful nation in World Cup history.A quarter-final victory over hosts France on Sunday ensured the Springboks ended Ireland’s 15-month spell as the world’s number one side.Wigglesworth added: “How special is it to beat France, in the form they are in, in their own back yard in front of their own fans?
“That was a special performance from an incredible team.
“They have a core group of players and they have added quality to it. They are an impressive outfit.”They have evolved a lot in how they move the ball or how they exit. They have got more variety and have multiple threats ow.”Power up front Of the eight forwards that began the 2019 final, six of them lined up from the start against France; Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen.Prop Steven Kitshoff has taken the place of the retired Tendai Mtawarira, who was commonly known as ‘The Beast’, while Franco Mostert played at lock instead of Lood de Jager.Inspirational captain Kolisi, 2019 world player of the year Du Toit and powerhouse number eight Vermeulen make up a formidable back row, while Etzebeth is widely regarded as one of rugby’s toughest enforcers.Malcolm Marx’s tournament-ending knee injury in the pool stage saw Mbonambi step up at hooker in a well-drilled forward pack that prides itself on physicality and defence.
Only Wales and Japan have made more tackles than the Boks in this tournament.
But there was one moment against the hosts when South Africa asserted their physical edge with supreme confidence.
