The Springboks will begin with their preparations on Tuesday for Saturday’s big Rugby World Cup semi-final against England in Paris.

The Boks will meet the English in the semi-finals after they managed to edge the 2003 champions 29-28 in Paris on Saturday in the quarter-finals. The English in turn held off a spirited Fiji 30-26 in Marseille.

The new world number ones, South Africa will go into the semi-final as the favourites to defend their title.

The last time South Africa faced England at the Rugby World Cup was during the 2019 final which the Boks won 32-12 in Yokohama. It was the second time South Africa beat England in the final after also securing a 15-6 win which in the 2007 championship match was also played in Paris.

The English, who have flown well-below the radar during this World Cup are expected to come out all guns blazing as they seek to set the record straight and secure a first win against the Boks.

Faf de Klerk - Johan Orton

The Springbok scrumhalf, Faf de Klerk, who played against England in the 2019 final said they should brace for another tough and physical battle.

“We have played against England a lot, and obviously they have been struggling before the World Cup but they have definitely started to turn things around.

“It is going to be a very big, tough challenge, especially with a six-day turnaround. We just have to focus on recovery and make sure we are ready for that.”

This semi-final at Stade de France will kick-off at 21:00 on Saturday night.

Agustín Creevy - Getty

Meanwhile, staying in Paris, the All Blacks are also preparing for what will be a very tough and physical semi-final.

The three-time champions from the Land of the Long White Cloud will tackle Michael Cheika’s Los Pumas on Friday in the first semi-final.

The All Blacks also lost a game in the Pool stage like the Boks did, but since then they have certainly shifted gears.

The All Blacks hooker, Dane Coles, said the Argentines won’t make it easy for them and it's important to move on from their 28-24 win over Ireland.

“What we did last week is going to mean stuff all if we don't back it up,” said the fiery hooker.

“That's the challenge of Test footy, that's the challenge of being at a World Cup and, as leaders, we've got to make sure these boys see that.

“We know how World Cups go, and it's not so long ago that we lost to them in New Zealand for the first time. We know they're in a good spot and they turn up and are a physical team.”

This semi-final that will also be played at Stade de France kicks off at 21:00 on Friday night.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport