Owen Farrell and his team-mates can make this semi-final closer than many expect; however, the Boks are No 1 for a reason
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth and Ox Nche and France's Reda Wardi in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final at the Stade de France on October 15th. Photograph: Billy Stickland/InphoRugby World Cup semi-final: England v South Africa, Stade de France, Saturday, 8pm Irish time – Live on Virgin Media One
Unless, that is, you are inside England’s inner sanctum. Given the self-inflicted wounds and scar tissue of the past two years, a one-point win via a drop goal ricocheting off somebody’s backside would be spectacularly beautiful. The squad have been based near Disneyland Paris this week and are still collectively hoping their dreams might yet come true.
Even the quarter-final against Fiji was a tense affair, with the scores level at 24-24 with 11 minutes left. Had Fiji’s goal-kicking been a touch more consistent, the outcome could have been appreciably different. And yet. When it comes to backs-to-the-wall defiance at World Cups, England have a habit of delivering. The simpler the equation – and the game plan – the better they respond. It was the case against the Pumas and, again, in the last 10 minutes against the spirited Fijians.
No one, even so, is suggesting it will be remotely easy. If Eben Etzebeth does not get you, one of their pair of gifted wingers, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, probably will. Look down the two teamsheets and the horsepower at the Boks’ disposal, both in their starting XV and on the bench, is as daunting as ever.
Then there is the weather. Gusty winds and daytime rain, with potential evening showers, is not the worst forecast for teams not intending to play much rugby. One rogue bounce or handling error could define the ball game. Might this be the night when the boos that have followed Owen Farrell around France turn to cheers?
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