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England vs South Africa Prediction & Betting Tips - Rugby World Cup
by Devesh Jaganath in Rugby World Cup Predictions
The second semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will see England take on South Africa on Saturday evening. After six grueling weeks, it all comes down to this one, as both sides will battle for a place in the final. New Zealand or Argentina will contest the other semi-final, with the winners of both matches advancing to the grand final on October 28, here at Stade de France. Can the Springboks claim back-to-back titles, or will England foil the chances of an all-Southern Hemisphere final?
You can also check out our full predictions for the first semi-final between New Zealand vs Argentina, and the final on SportyTrader's World Cup betting tips page.
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England vs South Africa Form
England and South Africa Last Matches
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
15 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
7 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
23 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
17 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
9 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
26 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
15 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
7 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
23 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
17 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
9 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
26 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
19 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
5 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
18 Mar 2023 - Six Nations
25 Feb 2023 - Six Nations
16 Jul 2022 - Test Matchs
9 Jul 2022 - Test Matchs
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
15 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
1 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
23 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
17 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
10 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
25 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
1 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
23 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
17 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
10 Sep 2023 - Rugby World Cup
29 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
8 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
15 Oct 2023 - Rugby World Cup
25 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
19 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
5 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
15 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
26 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
England vs South Africa Stats: Head to Head (H2H)
33 %
0 %
67 %
26 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
20 Nov 2021 - Test Matchs
2 Nov 2019 - Rugby World Cup
England - South Africa: Form Analysis
England came into the tournament carrying questionable form. Not only did they drop to fourth in the Six Nations earlier this year, but they also lost the Calcutta Cup in their first match of that competition. They followed that with three losses in their four warm-up matches. However, after cracking a favourable draw in this tournament, the Red Roses have gotten progressively better. England were unbeaten in their group that featured Argentina, Japan, Chile, and Samoa. Still, their best performance so far came in their last match, when they beat the flying Fijians 30-24 in the quarter-final. While they received their fair share of fortune in that match, it would be unfair to say they weren’t the better side over the full 80 minutes. The kicking game has been a big part of England's success in this competition, and the likes of Owen Farrell and George Ford will need big performances if they are to win this one.
Meanwhile, South Africa head into this match off the back of what could go down as one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. The Springboks finished second in Group B, which included Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, and Romania That saw them take on the host nation France in the quarter-final. Les Bleus came flying out the blocks, scoring inside the first five minutes, but the South Africans were unwilling to lie down and accept defeat. The Boks fought back in the second half in a game of fine margins and emerged with a 29-28 victory. That win has seen them firmly slapped with the favourites tag to go on the lift the Webb Ellis Cup. The side from Africa have won four of their last seven against this opponent and will fancy their chances against an English side that are still searching for their best form.
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Players list
Substitutes
England & South Africa Squad Analysis
Freddie Steward has been brought back into England's starting lineup for the World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Saturday, while Marcus Smith is not included in the matchday 23. Borthwick has also unexpectedly included Joe Marler and George Martin in the starting pack, replacing vice-captain Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum, respectively.
In the opposite dugout, the Springboks have chosen to maintain continuity in their lineup, with Nienaber opting to retain the same 23 that he fielded last week against France. Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach will be at the helm of the halfback positions, while centers Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel make a return, forming a back three with Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse.
You can also find the most updated odds, previews, and win probabilities for all rugby league and union matches on SportyTrader's rugby betting tips page.
England - South Africa Key Points
- England are unbeaten in the 2023 Rugby World Cup
- England have not lost by 20 or more points in their last ten matches
- South Africa have not beaten any of the three tier-one nations they faced in this tournament by more than 20 points
- South Africa have only beaten England by more than 20 points once in their last 13 matches
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Our England vs South Africa Prediction
Based on these sides' performances in the last round, the Springboks should win this match. Despite winning all their matches so far, England have not faced a challenge of this magnitude here in France, and we doubt they will be able to contain this opponent. Still, the Red Roses are expected to put on a wholehearted performance, and we fancy they will keep this match within a 20-point margin. Our England vs South Africa prediction: Handicap England +20.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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