England suffer heartbreak after South Africa rally to reach Rugby World Cup final

Heartbreak, utter heartbreak for England. Having played the majority of their World Cup campaign in the shadows, Steve Borthwick’s side finally showed their hand in stunning and ruthless fashion, only to fall short in the cruellest of circumstances.

Once again it was the Springbok scrum that came to their saviour, with two penalties from the set-piece providing the platform for the world champions to score 10 points in the final 11 minutes to turn a game on its head that England had utterly dominated.

The first penalty led to a try by RG Snyman from a driving line-out maul, then, with just two minutes left, another huge shunt on the half-way line set up the opportunity for Handrè Pollard to land the match-winning kick that sets up a final against New Zealand next Saturday.

Remarkably it was the second game in succession that Pollard, who was not even in the original Springbok squad, having missed out on selection after picking up a calf injury in May, kicked his side to a single point victory

Devastated by the cruel twist to a game that England had gone into as firm underdogs, the England players cut devastated figures as their last attempt to set up a kick at the posts broke down.

Steve Borthwick’s side had threatened to pull out one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, at least since France stunning New Zealand at Twickenham in the semi-final in 1999, seemingly surprising themselves as much as the rugby world by the manner in which they took the game by the throat.

When Owen Farrell, England’s captain, smashed over a stunning drop-goal midway through the second half to add to his four penalties, England had led by nine points and seemed on course for a fifth World Cup final appearance.

Up to that point England’s pack dominated their opponents, and the half-backs executed a precision kicking game, with Freddie Steward, Elliot Daly and Jonny May all excelling.

But in the end, they fell agonisingly short, with Springbok Ox Nché producing a monstrous scrummaging display as England’s front row struggled to contain their opponents’ power, conceding four penalties after Joe Marler and Dan Cole went off.

At least England know they did not die wondering. This was one of the great Test matches and the level of performance has finally injected this England side with some much-needed credibility and a reason for their supporters to believe that finally their side is heading in the right direction again under Borthwick.

Seven of the match-day 23 are under the age of 25, and although the squad is likely to evolve when the Six Nations gets underway, England can now look to the explosive players such as Ben Earl and George Martin, who were both magnificent in going toe-to-toe with the Springbok pack, while Freddie Steward was a titan in the back three.

Ultimately though the Springboks, as the greatest teams do, held their nerve, even when they were so rattled that fly-half Manie Libbok was removed from the action as early as the 30th minute.

England could not have hoped for a more clinical start. Indeed the first half was by a stretch the finest half produced by England of Borthwick’s tenure. Central to their performance was Farrell, who delivered the type of edgy performance reminiscent of his match winning display for the Lions in the second Test in Wellington in 2017.

There were moments where his temperature boiled over, his exchanges with referee Ben O’Keeffe on one occasion leading to a penalty to South Africa being marched 10 metres, culminating in three points by his opposite number Libbok.

Yet what Farrell brought was brilliant game management in the driving rain, along with the precision box-kicking by Alex Mitchell pounding the Springboks back three, allowing Elliot Daly and Jonny May the opportunity to win contestable kicks to give England dominance in territory and possession. England had led 12-6 from four Farrell penalties and appeared to be in complete control.

Jacques Nienaber, the Springboks head coach, to his bench to restore order, but not in the pre-planned manner of the deployment of the ‘bomb squad’. This was panic. Off came Reinach, off came Willemse, both within the first two minutes of the second half as their error-ridden display continued.

As the conditions deteriorated further, England’s lead looked more ominously for South Africa. At one point Jamie George saw his line-out throw slip out of his hands and fly into the air. Yet it was England who were relishing rolling their sleeves up as the rain became heavier, delivering the kind of aerial dominance that the Springboks normally bully opposition with.

The seminal moment came in the 52nd minute when Farrell fired over a drop-goal of brilliant precision and execution to critically give England a nine-point advantage.

England’s dominance was such that it looked like another march towards a comfortable victory and yet there was still another huge twist to come as from a penalty concession on the halfway, South Africa sprung into life from the line-out, with Fourie powering towards the line, before De Klerk feed Snyman to spin over the line. Suddenly from nowhere it was a two-point game.

England for the first time began to feel the pressure. Another huge scrum on the half-way line secured another penalty and Pollard landed it from just inside the England half. For the first time in the match, in the 78th minute, the world champions had snatched the lead.

South Africa’s exit from the restart gave England a line-out on the half-way. Once again the Stade de France was treated to a relentless finale, reminiscent of Ireland’s last stand against the All Blacks. And like Ireland, England could not find a way through.

Match details

Scoring sequence: 3-0 Farrell pen, 6-0 Farrell pen, 6-3 Libbok pen, 9-3 Farrell pen, 9-6 Pollard pen, 12-6 Farrell pen, 15-6 Farrell dg, 15-11 Snyman try, 15-13 Pollard con, 15-16 Pollard pen

England: F Steward; J May (G Ford, 78), J Marchant, M Tuilagi (O Lawrence, 73), E Daly; O Farrell, A Mitchell (D Care, 53); J Marler (E Genge, 53) , J George, D Cole (K Sinckler, 56), M Itoje, G Martin (O Chessum, 53), C Lawes, T Curry (B Vunipola, 69), B Earl.
Unused replacements: T Dan.
South Africa: D Willemse (W Le Roux 44); K Arendse, J Kriel, D de Allende, C Kolbe; M Libbok (H Pollard, 31), C Reinach (F de Klerk, 42); S Kitshoff (O Nche, 48), M Mbonambi, F Malherbe (V Koch, 56), E Etzebeth (RG Snyman, 46), F Mostert, S Kolisi (D Fourie, 51), P du Toit, D Vermeulen (K Smith, 51).

Have your say and join the conversation in the comments section.

England v South Africa: As it happened . . .

10:33 PM BST

Elation for South Africa; Heartbreak for England

10:31 PM BST

Telegraph readers leave their verdict on the South Africa vs England semi-final

Tommy Gavin writes: “As a Kiwi, on the outside looking in, some of you English are a seriously negative on your team. No, England haven’t been a good team in recent times, and no it wasn’t the best rugby, but it was still a gritty performance against superior opposition in dreadful conditions.

“Tough luck. Now - go the All Blacks!”

Richard Coy writes: “First of all, congratulations to the Boks, but oh my word, it could have been so different if we had more than 2 props that could scrummage. Not to mention two absolutely crucial knock ons from Vunipola.

“Still immensely proud of the effort, it wasn’t quite the hammering some ABE’s were predicting.”

Tom Bambadil writes: “What a match, the last scrum penalty seemed harsh but the Boks were the better team in the second half, good luck in the final. Proud of the English lads tonight, well done to Borthwick and his team for turning us into a team who can compete again.”

Nik Middleton writes: “Well done England, you played your hearts out there, nothing to be ashamed about.”

Simon Pearson writes: “South Africa saved by their scrum. Not entirely sure what happened to England’s!”

Paul Hughes writes: “A side with a scrum put in, who are in total control of the ball should play it and not hold the ball in the scrum for the purpose of securing a penalty. This is a matter for Authorities though it is good to see some referees sometimes taking the initiative.

What did you make of the semi-final? Please leave your verdict in the comments section below.

10:30 PM BST

England full-back Freddie Steward

10:29 PM BST

Handre Pollard 's verdict

10:19 PM BST

England head coach Steve Borthwick

10:18 PM BST

Player ratings

Owen Farrell shines but Handre Pollard delivers off the bench.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Also, remember to have your say on England and South Africa’s performances in the comments below!

10:14 PM BST

Farrell on England's performance: 'I hope we made everyone back home proud'

10:11 PM BST

Farrell on Pollard's kick

I’ve seen him do that a few times, so I was ready for anything. But he’s a top class kicker and that’s a clutch kick if ever I’ve seen one, so fair play to him.

10:06 PM BST

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi

10:04 PM BST

'England were the better team'

09:58 PM BST

The kick that won it for South Africa

09:55 PM BST

80 min ENG 15 SA 16

The clock is in the red. This will be the final charge for England. They are on half-way, playing narrow through the forwards. Vunipola hurtles forward on a carry, but the ball comes out forwards. Just as they did against France, the Boks win it at the death.

A scuffle immediately breaks out with emotions running high. The ball has already been kicked out by Pollard. Commiserations for England. They played with tremendous heart and led for all but the final minutes. In the end, it simply wasn’t enough.

England are out of the World Cup; South Africa march on to face the All Blacks next week.

The final score in Paris. England 15 - 16 South Africa.

09:52 PM BST

79 min ENG 15 SA 16

South Africa are lurking at every breakdown arm wrestling England as they try to run it back.

09:51 PM BST

78 min ENG 15 SA 16

De Klerk moves the ball slowly before exiting well to half-way. England now have one more opportunity from the line-out. They go all the way over the top. Feeding Farrell who is hammered, but the ball goes back to England.

09:50 PM BST

77 min ENG 15 SA 16

Pollard lines up from the half-way line just to the right. He should make this, and he does! The Boks hero from the quarter-final hammer the ball through the sticks. With three minutes to play, England go behind for the firs time.

09:49 PM BST

76 min ENG 15 SA 13

The scrum immediately moves sideways and South Africa have a penalty. Genge is penalised for dropping to his knee. George is unhappy, but Pollard points for the posts. Could the scrum-half do it for a second game in a row.

09:48 PM BST

75 min ENG 15 SA 13

The scrum re-sets for a second time. The game is balanced on a knife edge as Swing Low reverberates around the Stade de France.

09:46 PM BST

73 min ENG 15 SA 13

The scrum moves sideways, but England survive. After South Africa hang one high to Steward, he makes his first mistake of the game, kicking one straight up. When the ball comes down, England knock-on. This is a dangerous position to concede a scrum, especially with Handre Pollard’s boot. England cannot concede here.

09:45 PM BST

73 min ENG 15 SA 13

Lawrence come into the England backline to replace Tuilagi. The Sale man has gone about his work doggedly all night, defending obstinately and carrying hard.

09:44 PM BST

72 min ENG 15 SA 13

South Africa reprise their alpha-flex from the France game and call for the scrum. Tremendous pressure here on Kyle Sinckler.

09:43 PM BST

71 min ENG 15 SA 13

The South African scrum has clawed them back into the game, swinging the momentum. England must regather themselves. Care launches his box-kick too far. and Pollard calls a mark. He drives it to Steward, who challenges in the air, palming it to Itoje. Afte a phase in-field, Farrell hangs it up, and Le Roux calls a late mark.

09:42 PM BST

70 min ENG 15 SA 13

The ball is dropped by Mostert as he is lifted on the re-start, and it spills to Danny Care. The Boks to well to turn though and bundle the scrum-half into touch. Pollard clears down the throat of May in midfield.

09:40 PM BST

TRY SOUTH AFRICA! 68 min ENG 15 SA 13

Vunipola comes on for a battered and bruised Tom Curry. England must withstand the line-out pressure here. South Africa shape to drive, but the Fourie breaks away, powering towards the line. As England back-track, de Klerk feeds Snyman on an outside arc, who uses all of his 20 stone to drive and spin to get the ball down.

Pollard adds the conversion. The semi-final is well and truly alive!

09:38 PM BST

67 min ENG 15 SA 6

The rain lashes down as the two front rows pack down. George suggests to the referee that Nche is stepping to the left to get an angle on Sinckler, but the Boks win another penalty. It’s wide out to the right and on half-way, but Pollard can hit them from here. He decides against it though and kicks to touch deep inside the England 22. That’s a fantastic kick.

09:36 PM BST

66 min ENG 15 SA 6

O’Keefe calls once on the maul and England hoist it high - the ball is caught well by the Boks. De Klerk then clears to Steward, and England have a protective shield of white shirts around him. Farrell launches to the skies, putting pressure on through Daly. The winger challenges Arendse, but it comes forwards off his arm. Another test for England’s scrum. This one is inside their own half, and therefore within kicking range should they concede a penalty.

09:35 PM BST

64 min ENG 15 SA 6

England penalty! Mbonambi is furious. Kolbe tries to take on May brunt for brunt and comes off second best. May then gets on the ball with support and wins the penalty. It’s been an extraordinary physical effort. England still have just under a quarter of the game to go though.l

09:34 PM BST

63 min ENG 15 SA 6

With this scrum pressure, O’Keefe may consider a yellow card soon. The Boks shorten the line-out, but again it’s too low from Mbonambi. England hoick a wild kick up-field which is caught by the Bok backline. Now they put it through the hands for more or less the first time.

09:33 PM BST

62 min ENG 15 SA 6

South Africa’s scrum is just staring to get on top of England. Genge and Sinckler must dig in here. This time Sinckler is penalised for dropping his bind, and Pollard clears to just inside the England 10.

09:31 PM BST

62 min ENG 15 SA 6

O’Keefe has a word with both teams about the water boys running on. Each side is desparate for a breather before the scrums, but it’s slowing the game down.

09:31 PM BST

62 min ENG 15 SA 6

England disrupt with another high ball, but then are pounced on by South Africa defenders. Borthwick’s side retain it though, and Earl suddenly goes on the charge. He knocks on and Pollard hits a cross-fielder. The ref calls advantage over, and May takes a superb take above his head with Kolbe lurking. Genge then hurtles into the South African defence but knocks on. Springbok scrum.

09:29 PM BST

61 min ENG 15 SA 6

This time Danny Care fronts up. South Africa try to exploit the blindside with Fourie offloading to Mbonambi, but care dives low to bundle the hooker into touch. England retain their own line-out, feeding Curry on the gallop.

09:28 PM BST

59 min ENG 15 SA 6

Very tough call from O’Keefe. Sinckler sticks an early hip out, but he then drives through Nche. It looks like Nche may have forced him to bear in though. The referee blows up with the ball at Earl’s feet. South Africa clear to half-way.

09:27 PM BST

59 min ENG 15 SA 6

If England can work this ball back, they have a golden opportunity. Up against them is the behemoth Ox Nche - whose life motto is salad doesn’t win scrums. That should give you a flavour of the man.

09:26 PM BST

57 min ENG 15 SA 6

South Africa are at sixes and sevens. Owen Farrell is producing a kicking masterclass. This time he drives a low grubber behind Arendse, forcing him to back pedal. Under pressure from the rushing Daly, the ball bounces awkwardly for the winger and he knocks on. Farrell pumps the air, egging his team on. First scrum England with their revamped front row, right on the Boks five.

09:25 PM BST

56 min ENG 15 SA 6

South Africa have emptied the bench. As South Africa play off the top, Ellis Genge this time puts in a thunderous tackle, ricocheting the Boks backwards. As South Arica hoist high, Steward is imperious in the air and claims it.

09:23 PM BST

54 min ENG 15 SA 6

England continue to hurtle into South AFrica in attack, winning the physical condition. This time Chessum flies up into his Leicester team-mate Pollard and forces the mistake. England kick deep before the Boks return serve to Steward. It’s a tricky one that whirls around in the Paris night, but he catches well and calls the mark. On comes Sinckler for Dan Cole.

09:21 PM BST

FARRELL DROP GOAL! 52 min ENG 15 SA 6

What a moment, and what a competitor! The England captain steps up from half-way, way out to the right, and laser beams an inch-perfect drop goal that sails through the posts. Breathtaking work from the skipper. England go beyond a converted try.

09:19 PM BST

52 min ENG 12 SA 6

Daly is having one of his greatest England performances. He puts in another tremendous tackle, and England win it back.

09:19 PM BST

51 min ENG 12 SA 6

The replacements make an immediate impact. They thunder through the scrum, brutally reaping the ball back. As the ball comes out, Pollard puts in a pin-point cross-field kick to Kolbe, who dribbles ahead into space. Le Roux is in behind with green grass ahead, but the ball wins the race and goes dead. That’s a sighter of the danger the SPringboks pose. England make changes.

09:17 PM BST

50 min ENG 12 SA 6

South Africa empty the bench. Kolisi and Vermeulen join Kitshoff on the bench. Fourie comes on, as does Kwagga Smith. It’s only Vincent Koch still on the bench.

09:16 PM BST

49 min ENG 12 SA 6

For rugby nauses, and I would like to think to amateur enthusiasts, this is an enthralling contest. But there has been a notable absence of any backline play so far. As South Africa swing it out for what I think iis the first time, the referee spots a knock-on. Back to the forwards! England have a scrum right-field around half-way.

09:15 PM BST

48 min ENG 12 SA 6

Itoje disrupts Kolisi this time. It’s a knock-on, but he is winning the psychological battle so far. de Klerk puts up a frighteningly high kick, but Steward takes with aplomb. Marler then tells de Klerk to stop being daft off the ball and gives him a healthy shove. Tough love from the big prop.

09:14 PM BST

47 min ENG 12 SA 6

The scrum re-sets a couple of times, and Ben O’Keefe summons both sides for a word. On the third attempt it holds firm. Farrell is asking how long. As O’Keefe calls use it, England collapse. They stayed in the fight just long enough. George Martin then hammers Snyman backwards and Itoje rips Kitshoff ruthlessly in the tackle. Mitchell errs though for more or less the first time, kicking straight out.

09:12 PM BST

45 min ENG 12 SA 6

So much had been made of the battle between Etzebeth and Itoje in this game. South Africa have decided to play their hand early. But how significant could it be for England to keep their powder dry with Genge and Sinckler on the bench?

09:10 PM BST

45 min ENG 12 SA 6

I’ve not seen that before. The ball slips clean out of George’s hand off the line-out and flies up straight into the air. He looks on mystified. George will have to settle his nerves quickly. Arendse then disrupts England with his kick chase, forcing the knock-on. South Africa scrum left-field.

09:09 PM BST

44 min ENG 12 SA 6

The scrum sets solid before eventually caving. O’Keefe calls to use it though, and South Africa clear to the 22. It’s well struck, but not a particularly effective exit. The man-mountain RG Snyman comes on for Etzebeth. That’s a huge early call.

09:08 PM BST

44 min ENG 12 SA 6

It’s England who cave to the pressure this time, as Jamie George’s throw angles not straight. Scrum South Africa. This first effort of the half should give us a good picture of what’s to come, and if any tactical changes have been made. Still no forward changes for the Boks.

09:07 PM BST

42 min ENG 12 SA 6

de Klerk comes on for Reinach, is this planned or retribution for that poor kick. England launch one high into the air for Farrell, who does brilliantly to scoop the ball back. Dogged work form the England captain. Everyone is onside, but England keep their cool, and Farrell, off the next phase, dribbles a ball through to the corner, forcing Willemse to flap it into touch. Le Roux comes on for the Boks - that’s all their backline changes exhausted already.

09:05 PM BST

41 min ENG 12 SA 6

England disrupt the line-out, but Kolisi sweeps up as the ball bounces up. It’s another poor throw from Mbonambi. Reinach follows this up with a poor kick which goes straight up. England hand it wide right for May to chase and flap back. The ball is loose and Marchant dives on it, looking up into the eyes of the oncoming South Africans like a cornered animal. He makes the wisest decision he can which is to not move at all, and the Boks are penalised for diving on him on the floor. England clear up the line.

09:03 PM BST

40 min ENG 12 SA 6

South Africa kick-off through Pollard, hanging the ball high and deep right for Lawes again. He catches well and England resort to Mitchell who clears to touch. It’s just short of England’s 10.

09:02 PM BST

South Africa out early

Bryan Habana assures viewers the Springboks have received the hairdryer treatment at half-time. They wait for England, eager to get proceedings back under-way.

08:56 PM BST

Have your say on the first half

Are England winning the physical battle in the first half? Have the Boks made the right decision to take of Libbok? Have your say in the comments section!

08:50 PM BST

Have South Africa's selection calls back-fired?

08:50 PM BST

England go into the break ahead

They play one phase in-field through Marler, but there is still 10 seconds left. Ben O’Keefe calls use it with the clock ticking down, but the scrum-half shows unbelievable sang-froid to run backwards from the base as the final seconds run out before kicking over his own dead ball line.

Half-time in Paris. As things stand, England are going through to a World Cup final. But all that could change over the next 40 minutes.

08:47 PM BST

39 min ENG 12 SA 6

Farrell bisects the posts with a laser-beam boot, and England stretch their lead. Borthwick’s side need a clean exit here.

08:46 PM BST

36 min ENG 9 SA 6

Willemse shows great skill, chasing and successfully taking his own kick, but he is bundled into touch by Mitchell. England show better disguise at the line-out, setting a maul for Mitchell to clear. The scrum-half evade a flying mitt from Etzebeth to float one high into the sky. May chases and is taken out as he goes to leap for the ball, milking a penalty. It’s another tight call, but one that plays in England’s favour. Farrell lines one up from 40 metres out, around the 15.

08:44 PM BST

36 min ENG 9 SA 6

George converses with Cole about the line-out call, and in the end they decide to play it cute to Itoje at the front who pops back to his Saracens club-mate. George grubbers up the line for South Africa to clear, and England call the mark.

08:43 PM BST

35 min ENG 9 SA 6

The scoreboard doesn’t really reflect how dominant England have been this first-half. They have been winning the arm wrestle so far, but the Boks can strike at any moment. Off the kick-off, Pollard makes like Farrell and launches it into touch around half-way.

08:42 PM BST

34 min ENG 9 SA 6

South Africa crash it up to well-within the England 22, but the ball eventually goes to floor. The ball is called back for a penalty against Marler for off-side. The prop is shaking his head. South Africa swap tactics and take the easy shot at goal.

08:40 PM BST

32 min ENG 9 SA 3

South Africa set a better looking maul this time, and they hoist it to the skies for Daley - who drops it! Daley keeps cool though, diving on the ball to win it back as the Springboks mob him like vultures. Vunipola drops with his firs touch though, and suddenly the Boks crash into the guts of England, playing under advantage. This is dangerous.

08:39 PM BST

31 min ENG 9 SA 3

Reinch puts in a poor kick this time which is easily marked by Steward. No scrums here for England from here - they launch it off the pitch. Curry meanwhile hobbles off cupping a bloody nose. Vunipola is on while Curry gets patched up. England will be pleased with how they have rattled the Boks so far.

08:37 PM BST

30 min ENG 9 SA 3

Libbok comes off! That’s brutal decision-making from the Boks coaching team. Handre Pollard saunters onto the pitch. Clearly Erasmus et al were not happy with what they were seeing.

08:37 PM BST

29 min ENG 9 SA 3

Etzebeth strikes back, disrupting England’s lineout as they throw to the back. South Africa try to hoist one high but come under pressure from Farrell and skewer it, the ball bounces to Steward who dances through a couple of challenges. After a duff kick attempt by the Boks, Marler is penalised for off-side. Libbok kicks to touch but only massages it a few yards. He’ll be dosappointed with that.

08:35 PM BST

27 min ENG 9 SA 3

England come away with it from the scrum, shipping it to Tuilagi who carries hard for the first time. Mitchell leavers the ball back but comes under pressure from a prowling Etzebeth and scurries sideways. The Bok enforcer comes from an off-side position though, and England win a penalty. They kick down the left touchline.

08:33 PM BST

27 min ENG 9 SA 3

Mbonambi is having a torrid time at the line-out so far. O’Keefe is momentarily confused as he signals a scrum to South Africa, but he then changes his mind and gives England a scrum for the throw not being straight.

Remember, the line-out was such a crucial area of dominance for the Boks in 2019.

08:32 PM BST

26 min ENG 9 SA 3

South Africa burst into life, popping off the top to Arendse, but Courtney Lawes tracks back brilliantly to force a turnover. England hoick up another high ball, and I don’t believe what I’ve just seen... Elliot Daly flattens South Africa’s demolition man Duane Vermeulen! You read that correctly. South Africa win a penalty for Marler being caught on the wrong side though, and they kick up the touch-line.

08:30 PM BST

24 min ENG 9 SA 3

Farrell nudges it over, going ahead of Wilkinson for his World Cup points tally. Lawes is mobbed by a trio of South African forklifts, but England’s second row works hard to get to ground. Mitchell clears it off the field again - a tactic to prevent the counter-attack - and the Springboks throw to the back on half-way.

08:29 PM BST

21 min ENG 6 SA 3

Farrell weights a nice high ball to Willemse dropping just short of the 22. After the return serve, Steward chases another Farrell bomb, snagging Willemse and forcing him to throw it away. Lawes dives on it, beating the flailing boot of Libbok! England go left, with Earl showing footwork to burst into life. England win an advantage at the breakdown and have another shot at goal from the 15 on the opposition 22.

08:26 PM BST

20 min ENG 6 SA 3

Libbok makes no mistake. South Africa eat into England’s lead. The Boks are doing much better to manage the refereeing so far - an aspect of the game that is crucial at this level.

08:25 PM BST

18 min ENG 6 SA 0

Elliot Daly shows sublime skill to catch a high ball running backward, but England are penalised for going off their feet. After the penalty call, Farrell is further penalised for pushing an opposition player. He is absolutely incensed and has to be marshalled away by Daly. The England captain will have to maintain his cool. It’s now within range, and Libbok goes for posts this time.

08:23 PM BST

17 min ENG 6 SA 0

Lawes wins England’s first throw at the line-out, and England take to the skies. It’s well-fielded by South Africa. Libbok then arcs a howitzer across field but Mitchell gathers confidently this time. Both sides are using their big artillery guns so far to play in the right part of the field.

08:22 PM BST

15 min ENG 6 SA 0

England subdue South Africa’s maul from close range though. As the ball bobbles out for South Africa, the lumber jack George Martin cuts Mostert in half. It’s a monstrous double tackle with Earl and forces the ball forward. You don’t see that too often. England then win a penalty of Kitshoff at the scrum for going to ground and Farrell kicks to touch. That’s a gift for Borthwick’s side.

08:20 PM BST

15 min ENG 6 SA 0

It’s not good news for England though. Tuilagi is penalised and walks back like a naughty school boy. It’s very harsh from O’Keefe so early on in the game, but he clearly wants to lay down a marker. George pulls away a simmering Owen Farrell before he blows his lid. Libbok angles a kick right for the corner.

08:19 PM BST

15 min ENG 6 SA 0

South Africa hit Etzebeth again and wheel round to the left, but England sack it well. A tremendous moment for England who will relish winning this early physical contest. A scuffle breaks out as Manu Tuilagi drags out Jesse Kriel with a big grin on the England centre’s face. It’s just handbags, but Ben O’Keefe has a stern word.

08:17 PM BST

13 min ENG 6 SA 0

South Africa gather cleanly this time and start to get some momentum, moving around the side. England steal it back and Farrell kicks away. He’s caught in two minds and cannons it low down the middle. Lawes gives away a cheap penalty for off-side - he chases the ball from in-front of the kicker. South Africa show intent though and kick for the corner.

08:16 PM BST

12 min ENG 6 SA 0

England have nullified South Africa’s kicking game so far and posed problems with their own. It will be interesting to see how the Boks adapt.

08:15 PM BST

11 min ENG 6 SA 0

South Africa look to get ticking but they are disrupted by England. You can hear Farrell screaming at his players - the fourth voice in the commentary box - encouraging physicality from his side. South Africa fire up a high kick for Steward who catches just outside his 22, and England work hard to protect him on the floor and repel the counter-ruck. Mitchell clears to touch again around half-way and Daly blocks the quick one.

08:13 PM BST

11 min ENG 6 SA 0

Libbok goes long right for Lawes to gather. England caterpillar and Mitchell wallops it to half-way. The scrum-half has some good early kicks under his belt.

08:12 PM BST

8 min ENG 6 SA 0

The scrum re-sets one. Second time Earl Breaks away, escaping the clutches of Reinach to charge into Libbok’s channel. England earn another penalty for South Africa going for the ball when the contest was already won. Kolisi is slightly unlucky - the ball was arguably out - but England will take that. Farrell lines one up in front and slots it.

England lead by six.

08:10 PM BST

8 min ENG 3 SA 0

08:08 PM BST

7 min ENG 3 SA 0

It’s clear already how England are going to play this game. They hang up another high bomb to compete, and Daly forces Willemse to knock-on. Off the following ruck, Mitchell rolls a well-angled box kick into touch inside the 22. South Africa throw to the back but are penalised for not throwing straight. Cue triumphant celebrations for England, who didn’t bother to compete. This is a golden opportunity.

08:07 PM BST

6 min ENG 3 SA 0

O’Keefe warns both teams to not go early, threatening a free-kick. Marler takes on Malherbe. Cole takes on Kitshoff. Andd it goes...nowhere. Good outcome for England. South Africa play away then hoist one up for Steward, who keeps his eye on the ball and times it perfectly.

08:05 PM BST

4 min ENG 3 SA 0

First blood Itoje! The second row leaps high to slap the ball away from Etzebeth. England again take to the skies, pitting May against Kolbe on the right flank. The ball is knocked-on by England into touch. South Africa opt for the scrum. This will be a big test for Marler and Cole.

08:04 PM BST

3 min ENG 3 SA 0

Mind games from South Africa. Willemse shapes to re-start then passes last minute to Mannie Libbok instead. England aren’t outwitted though and clear high again through Mitchell. Daley challenges well again but knocks into touch. First line-out for South Africa.

08:03 PM BST

2 min ENG 3 SA 0

Farrell slots the three, and England take an early lead.

08:02 PM BST

1 min ENG 0 SA 0

England return serve and get a bit of good luck. Daly flaps back and play breaks up as England gather. Mostert feels he has his hands on the ball at the breakdown, but Ben O’Keefe disagrees. Penalty England from more or less in front!

08:01 PM BST

1 min ENG 0 SA 0

The countdown is over, referee Ben O’Keefe puts the whistle to his lips, and we’re off!

England get the semi-final under way through Farrell. who changes direction to kick to compete down the middle. The first chase is knocked on by Joe Marchant. It was a good idea. South Africa hoist up their first high ball for Freddie Steward who fields well.

07:59 PM BST

The Springboks Anthem

Captain Siya Kolisi gives a rousing rendition of Nkosi Sikelel. Both sides are ready, the tracksuits are off. This is what we have been waiting for. Kick-off is next!

07:57 PM BST

On the subject of Boos - Etzebeth is not exempt

07:56 PM BST

Time for the anthems

England are up first. An emotional looking Ben Earl tilt their heads back, eyes closed, and belt out the words. From Itoje’s body language, he’s looking very pumped up. Tuilagi has a cheeky-looking smile on his face.

07:55 PM BST

Boo-watch

07:54 PM BST

Kick-off less than 10 minutes away

The teams line up in the tunnel. Ben O’Keefe gets another healthy boo, presumably from the French contingent in the crowd.

England, dressed in white, are led out by Farrell. South Africa in green and gold, follow captain Siya Kolisi. Here we go!

07:52 PM BST

Rassie Erasmus engages in last-minute mind games

07:51 PM BST

England peruse the Boks' line-out

07:50 PM BST

The battle of the scrum

Steve Borthwick made the bold selection call this week to drop his vice-captain Ellis Genge to the bench in favour of Joe Marler. The message was clear from the head coach: England need to match the Boks in the scrum.

But for Marler and his old sparring partner Dan Cole, who starts at tight-head, there is even more at stake than a World Cup final - they both have a shot at redemption.

Just a year ago, both were in the international wilderness: Marler by choice, Cole after being cast out by Eddie Jones following the harrowing 2019 World Cup final defeat to South Africa, writes Daniel Schofield.

Both props are specialist scrummagers and will have the chance to right the wrongs of 2019 tonight. They face up against a mighty South Africa pack who Steve Borthwick rates as the best in the world. So confident are the Springboks that the opted for a scrum  in their own 22 after calling a mark against France, just to flex their dominance.

According to ITV pundit and former England prop David Flatman, just for England to achieve parity would act as redemption for Cole.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

07:38 PM BST

The kamikaze kids reunite in the warm-up

07:36 PM BST

Both teams focus on their kicking in the warm-up

07:34 PM BST

The French still aren't happy with referee Ben O'Keefe

07:33 PM BST

The battle of the second-row

In 2010, a 21-year-old Courtney Lawes with seven caps to his name lined up in England’s second row against two of rugby’s most fearsome enforcers in Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

Despite the very real threat they posed, both on the scoresheet and to his physical wellbeing, Lawes confidently declared he was “not scared” of the Springbok pairing and welcomed the challenge.

Thirteen years on, Maro Itoje must mirror his team-mate’s steely courage as he takes on second row Eben Etzebeth - one the most ferocious beasts in the rugby jungle.

Matfield added fuel to the contest this week when he described Etzebeth as “way ahead”, adding: “Unfortunately, I can’t even mention them in the same breath.”

But whether in word or deed, Maro Itoje is not the type to be cowed by his opponents’ aura, writes Oliver Brown.

READ OLIVER’S FULL COLUMN HERE.

07:20 PM BST

The players are out

07:19 PM BST

Carnival atmosphere in Paris

07:13 PM BST

Warren Gatland's recipe to beat the Bok's

In my experience of playing against South Africa, you’ve got to match them in the areas that they are going to target, rather than try to play too much rugby, write Warren Gatland.

READ GATLAND’S FULL COLUMN HERE.

07:06 PM BST

Steve Borthwick on South Africa's kicking threat

07:05 PM BST

Steve Borthwick on making three changes

07:01 PM BST

Our experts' views from the Stade de France

06:59 PM BST

England tactics: discipline will be crucial

Against Fiji last Sunday, Tom Curry was, at times, flying around with all the control of a dazed bluebottle trying to locate an open window. His play never strayed into the mindlessly illegal but the fear was that often it was not too far off, writes Charles Richardson.

READ CHARLES’S FULL ANALYSIS HERE

06:47 PM BST

Who are you backing to win?

Lawrence Dallaglio has had his say.

Let us know who you think will win by responding to our readers’ poll!

06:43 PM BST

That's one way to escape the rain

06:39 PM BST

Steve Borthwick has deployed England’s own ‘Bomb Squad’ for South Africa semi-final

How to ‘defuse’ the bomb squad - South Africa’s replacements - has become a commonplace refrain when facing the Springboks. It’s the sort of question would-be rugby savants moot at the pub, and is up there with how to ‘respond to’ the Haka as one of the sport’s platitudes.

For once though, it is the names on England’s replacement bench, not that of South Africa, that catch the eye, writes Chief Rugby Union Correspondent Gavin Mairs. 

READ GAVIN’S FULL STORY ON ENGLAND’S BENCH OPTIONS HERE.

06:19 PM BST

Duane Vermeulen gives his verdict

06:18 PM BST

England look to dispel ghosts of 2019

06:17 PM BST

Storm clouds hang over Paris

06:14 PM BST

Chris Ashton: Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse are South Africa's danger men

Go back to 2019, and South Africa were a very different team. Despite possessing ample pace out wide, their game was based around powerful forward carrying and using their dominance at the set-piece to arm wrestle sides as fly-half Handre Pollard kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Fast-forward four years, with Mannie Libbok at fly-half and Kurt-Lee Arendse joining Cheslin Kolbe on the wings, they have been transformed in an all-out attacking showpiece, the likes of which only the All Blacks can compete with.

Kolbe and Arendse are the best wing pairing in the business. They’re so quick and so elusive that if they get the ball in any type of space then you are already dead, writes Ashton.

READ CHRIS’S FULL COLUMN HERE.

06:00 PM BST

Make no mistake, Freddie Steward is the right player to defuse the Springboks

Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith have vied for the England’s starting full-back jersey at this World Cup following Smith’s redeployment from fly-half.

The 5ft 9in and 12st 12lb Smith offers a very different prospect to Steward at 6ft 5in and 16st 5lb. But what the Harlquins playmaker lacks in stature he makes up for in attacking verve, adding an exciting new element to England going forwards.

it was this ability to create something from nothing that earned him a start against Fiji. However, the question of who would wear the 15 jersey against South Africa was taken out of Borthwick’s hands after Smith suffered a head injury.

But if England will miss Smith’s ability as a second playmaker and his dancing feet at full-back, Steward can offer England an edge in attack if they are able to exploit his height and aerial ability, writes Gavin Mairs.

GO HERE FOR GAVIN’S FULL REPORT ON ENGLAND’S FULL-BACK.

05:46 PM BST

Springboks select most experienced team ever

South Africa have selected their most experienced starting XV in history for today’s clash, with 895 caps between them.

The match-day squad includes 13 survivors from the 2019 final in Yokohama, eight of whom are in the starting XV: Mbonambi, Malherbe, Du Toit, Kolisi, Vermeulen, de Allende, Kolbe and Etzebeth.

Etzebeth will reprise his rivalry with Itoje tonight. Yet despite his eminent experience, the man-mountain of a second row admitted that he had not paid much attention to his English adversary’s performances in the tournament so far.

“I haven’t watched too many of [England’s] games,” said Etzebeth. “[Maro] is obviously a great player. There’s an old saying: ‘Form is temporary and class is forever.’ I don’t want to comment much on his form but if he thinks it’s better now, then it probably is.”

READ OUR REPORT ON SOUTH AFRICA’S TEAM SELECTION HERE.

05:31 PM BST

Our expert's predictions

Borthwick has deployed England’s very own ‘Bomb Squad’ against the Boks as they look to topple the pre-tournament favourites. But will it make any difference?

Our reporter Charles Richardson predicts who will emerge triumphant today and march on to the final against the All Blacks.

READ CHARLES’S FULL PREDICTIONS HERE.

05:25 PM BST

Bereft Irish fans make the journey to Paris

05:12 PM BST

The teams

England

England have opted to bolster their starting scrum by picking Joe Marler and Dan Cole in the starting front row.

Marler and second-row George Martin come into the team in place of Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum respectively.

The other change is Freddie Steward replacing Marcus Smith at full-back. Smith has been ruled out of the semi-final owing to a concussion he suffered against Fiji in the quarter-final.

England’s replacements are otherwise unchanged, with Alex Mitchell preferred as the starting scrum-half to Danny Care.

Starting XV: 15-Freddie Steward, 14-Jonny May, 13-Joe Marchant, 12-Manu Tuilagi, 11-Elliot Daly, 10-Owen Farrell, 9-Alex Mitchell, 1-Joe Marler, 2-Jamie George, 3-Dan Cole, 4-Maro Itoje, 5-George Martin, 6-Courtney Lawes, 7-Tom Curry, 8-Ben Earl

Replacements: 16-Theo Dan, 17-Ellis Genge, 18-Kyle Sinckler, 19-Ollie Chessum, 20-Billy Vunipola, 21-Danny Care, 22-George Ford, 23-Ollie Lawrence

South Africa

The Springboks have announced a team unchanged from the side that beat France in their epic quarter-final.

Having trialled a 7-1 bench split twice previously this year, in order to massively bolster their pack late in games, South Africa are instead continuing with five forwards and three backs in the replacements to play England. The starting half-backs will be Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok, with Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard waiting to replace them.

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Mbongeni Mbonambi have recovered from injuries sustained against France. The back-row of Du Toit, Siya Kolisi and Duane Vermeulen was central to South Africa’s victory over England in the 2019 World Cup final.

Starting XV: 15-Damian Willemse, 14-Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Cheslin Kolbe, 10-Manie Libbok, 9-Cobus Reinach, 1-Steven Kitshoff, 2-Bongi Mbonambi, 3-Frans Malherbe, 4-Eben Etzebeth, 5-Franco Mostert, 6-Siya Kolisi, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8-Duane Vermeulen

Replacements: 16-Deon Fourie, 17-Ox Nche, 18-Vincent Koch, 19-RG Snyman, 20-Kwagga Smith, 21-Faf de Klerk, 22-Handre Pollard, 23-Willie Le Roux

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

04:59 PM BST

Leave your messages in the comments

Can England clinch victory, or will it be an all-southern hemisphere final next weekend? Have your say here:

Also, if you have any thoughts or questions about tonight’s game, join the conversation here!

04:42 PM BST

Can England pull off the miraculous?

It looks like a near-impossible task for England against a strong Springbok side, but you can back them to pull it off with these Rugby World Cup free bets and betting offers.

04:33 PM BST

England enter the semi-final as long-odds outsiders - just like South Africa in 2019

Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s coverage of today’s World Cup semi-final as England take on South Africa at the Stade de France.

It is difficult to imagine a poor South Africa side, but cast your mind back to the troubled tenure of Allister Coetzee from 2016-18, and you will find they came close.

After suffering their greatest World Cup humiliation at the hands of Japan in 2015, the Springboks entered the rugby wilderness where they wandered blindly for near enough three years. It was Steve Borthwick, working under Eddie Jones, who masterminded that shock victory in Brighton.

In the subsequent years, the Boks were routinely routed by the All Blacks - including a harrowing 57-0 loss in 2017, and suffered the ignominy of defeat to Ireland, Wales and even Italy. But following the arrival of Rassie Erasmus and his lieutenant Jacques Nienaber in 2018, performances began to suggest that the Springbok tide may have finally turned.

With the Japan tournament fast approaching, one particularly frightening photo began to circulate on social media featuring a topless Springbok squad flexing their sizeable brawn. The results of this fitness masterplan - orchestrated by Aled Walters, now with England - were dubbed a “major warning shot to the All Blacks” by the New Zealand Herald. How prescient this would prove.

The All Blacks put an early pin in South Africa’s balloon winning 23-13 in the pool stages, as a result of which the Boks were written off as mere pretenders. But exactly six weeks later, they overcame Eddie Jones’s England to lift the World Cup for a third time.

In that final in Yokohama, England were thoroughly bullied by the Springboks. Ironically, South Africa prop Tendai Mtawarira admitted “maybe we’re the underdogs” ahead of the game. In the end, his scrummaging proved to be South Africa’s point of difference as England’s early replacement Dan Cole was left thoroughly humbled. It would prove to be The Beast’s last act in international rugby. Cole might have reasonably thought this would be his until he was recalled by Borthwick in January.

The similarities with South Africa’s travails between tournaments are telling. Just as the Springboks’ journey from London to Yokohama was rocky and predominantly downhill, so was England’s from Yokohama to Paris.

Despite showing promise in the 2020 Six Nations, England emerged from the pandemic a shadow of their former selves. After staggering on under Jones for as long as they could bear, the RFU brought forward Borthwick’s arrival to perform an emergency rescue job ahead of the World Cup. However, in a disappointing Six Nations campaign, the results showed little sign of improvement.

Just like South Africa in the lead up to Japan, England were roundly written off before flying out to France. Perhaps the most unfortunate similarity is the way in which they have been condemned for playing an ugly brand of rugby.

But since arriving at the World Cup, Borthwick’s side have forged a siege mentality, and with it assembled five consecutive victories without sparing a second thought for style. If there were an award for the worst score of the tournament - rugby’s equivalent of the Golden Raspberry Awards - Courtney Lawes’s try from Joe Marler’s header against Japan would be a firm contender.

England have spent this week with the words of Springboks legend Joel Stransky pinned to the wall of their hotel. The former Boks fly-half dismissed Borthwick’s side as a team who “do not excel in any area”. The intention of England in doing so is not to stir up anger among the players but rather to place the pressure back on South Africa. Put simply: England have nothing to lose.

In spite of changing coach with 11 months to go before the World Cup, suffering their first ever loss to Fiji on the eve of the tournament, and having their captain booed each time his name is announced, England find themselves in the lime-light of a semi-final, massive outsiders, but with a shot at deposing the champions.

England’s resurgence may have come later than South Africa’s did in Japan, but they now have their shot at redemption, and with it the chance to exorcise the ghosts of 2019.

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