ENGLAND firmly have their sights set on ending a 20-year Rugby World Cup drought – but they have a steep semifinal hurdle of reigning champions South Africa to overcome first.
Steve Borthwick’s men were pushed to the wire in their last-eight contest against Fiji.
AFPEngland sent Fiji crashing out of the Rugby World Cup with a quarter-final win[/caption]
South Africa ran out 29-28 winners against hosts FranceSportsfile
However, a late drop goal from captain Owen Farrell fired Red Rose into the semis with a 30-24 win.
But Red Rose have an even bigger task on their hands as they now face the holders who recently came out on top in a Paris thriller against France.
The Springboks were forced to come from behind in the second half to marginally beat the hosts 29-28.
Furthermore, South Africa famously broke English hearts in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
When is England vs South Africa?
England’s mouthwatering semifinal contest against South Africa will take place on Saturday, October 21.It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST.Stade de France, Saint-Denis is the allocated arena for this huge Rugby World Cup tie and it can host around 80,000 roaring fans.South Africa ran out 27-13 winners against England in their most recent encounter.
What TV channel is England vs South Africa on and can it be live streamed?
England vs South Africa will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1.Coverage is scheduled to commence from 7:15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.Fans can also stream the action through the ITVX app which is available for download on any tablet or mobile device.Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for the entire coverage.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
England vs South Africa can be watched for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV license.
What is the team news?
Steve Borthwick could be tempted into fielding both Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith in a combination that saw England cross the line against Fiji.
GettyMarcus Smith and Owen Farrell could play as a duo in the semifinal[/caption]
Elsewhere, South Africa’s head coach Rassie Erasmus could bring Faf de Klerk back in at scrum-half despite Mannie Libbok starting in the France win.
The full teams will be announced later on this week.
What are the latest odds?
England to win 6/1Draw 25/1South Africa to win 1/8
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication