South Africa defeated England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama; ‘s England
Steve Borthwicknd are the only undefeated side remaining in the competition having won all four group games before beating Fiji in last weekend’s quarter-final
Rassie Erasmus anticipates his semifinal rivals South Africa and England will have “some beef” because of England’s loss in the most recent World Cup final.
Prior to Saturday’s match in Paris, Springboks director of rugby Erasmus started the mental preparations by enumerating possible Steve Borthwick team choices.
England are out for revenge after being beaten 32-12 by Erasmus’ side in the 2019 final in Japan when they were coached by Eddie Jones.
Reigning champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites for victory and expected to face New Zealand, who take on Argentina in the other last-four fixture, in the final.
“To talk about the All Blacks would be disrespectful to England because they’re a massive, massive speed bump for us to get over,” said Erasmus.
“I was simply looking at the teams I think could play, so more of a pothole than a speed bump. They had a ton of seasoned players from their previous match against us.
“I believe they will be at odds with us because they played us in the World Cup final. They will undoubtedly step it up at all predetermined phases, and I believe they will be pretty physical.”
After leading his nation to victory over England in Yokohama four years prior, Erasmus took up his current position as head coach; Jacques Nienaber took over as head coach.
The 50-year-old went into specific statistical detail of the two teams he believes will take to the field at the Stade de France. He then, when prompted, listed England’s possible matchday 23.
“I think we have averaged 200 minutes per player, they 260,” said Erasmus. “I think the average caps of our team will be about 54, they’ll be about 59. I think the average age of our team is 30, the average age of their team about 29. And then the average weight is 104 (kilograms) and 105.
“England are unbeaten, they stuck to their guns since he (Borthwick) has been appointed, and they kept believing in what they’re doing and it’s paying off.
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