England v South Africa: Teams announced for last four clash in Paris

ENGLAND: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Marler, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Genge, Sinckler, Chessum, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence.

SOUTH AFRICA: Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach; Steven Kitshoff, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi (captain), Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Duane Vermeulen

Replacements: Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard, Willie le Roux

The finalists from four years ago – and the finalists from the last time that the Rugby World Cup was hosted in France – meet a round earlier this year. Thirteen of England's squad played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa, who were underdogs at the time, triumphed 32-12. The two sides have met twice since with England winning narrowly in 2021 and South Africa the victors in some style the following year - a match that marked the end of Eddie Jones' reign as England coach.

The initial meeting between England and South Africa was in December 1906 at Crystal Palace, London. The semi-finalists have played one another 44 times since. The Springboks have won 27 times, including four of five Rugby World Cup matches and two were finals. England have won 16 times respectively. Their only Rugby World Cup win came in the pool phase of the 2003 tournament, England of course running out champions in dramatic fashion against Australia.

England are prepared for a volatile, physical showdown with the mighty Springboks ‘Bomb Squad’ and the changes up front is with that in mind. Marler can reinforce their scrum and the same applies to the massive Martin, who is making just his second Test start. Aside from the return of Steward, the rest of the Red Rose back line is the same. Captain Owen Farrell continues at fly-half. His performance will be one of the key factors in England if England can navigate a way to the final.

In total, 26 of the 43 players from the Rugby World Cup 2019 final are back for another go in Saint-Denis – with Elliot Daly, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Maro Itoje, Jamie George and captain Owen Farrell starting for England then and now. Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Kolisi likewise for the Springboks.

The Springboks have enjoyed firm success with their high bombs this tournament – particularly against hosts France last Sunday. England clearly expect more of the same this weekend – it’s in part why Freddie Steward has been recalled to England ranks for this affair. England will know that despite the aggressive play of the South Africans, their fans will expect them to match their volatile style of play throughout. A date with Argentina or New Zealand beckons for both sides.