England are preparing for a big physical battle with the Springboks this weekend. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
England defence coach Kevin Sinfield said on Tuesday his side were “in awe” of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final performance against France.
The Springboks edged hosts France 29-28 last weekend in a thrilling encounter to set up Saturday’s semi-final against England at the Stade de France in Paris.
“We saw the game on Sunday evening and were in awe of the physicality that they brought,” Sinfield told reporters.
“It was a great showcase for what rugby is about. We have the utmost respect for them.”
The semi-final clash will be a re-run of the 2019 World Cup final in Japan, which South Africa dominated to win 32-12.
England have changed their coaching staff with Steve Borthwick now in charge after Eddie Jones was sacked last December.
For South Africa, Rassie Erasmus has moved up to a director of rugby role with Jacques Nienaber promoted from his assistant to head coach.
Many of the Springboks’ 2019 squad also remain, including emblematic captain Siya Kolisi, fleet-footed winger Cheslin Kolbe and experienced halfbacks Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard.
“I think some will use it and I think some won’t be bothered at all because a lot has changed in four years,” Sinfield said of the defeat in the 2019 final.
“I know they have a lot of continuity in their coaching team and a lot of their players, but we’re in 2023 now.”
England are considered underdogs for the game.
Despite being the only unbeaten side left in the tournament they emerged from one of the easier pools and struggled at times during last Sunday’s quarter-final win over Fiji.
“I’m not too bothered. It doesn’t matter to me,” Sinfield said.
“Our focus is trying to support, help and influence our players to be the best they can be at the weekend.
“We know we need to improve again for the weekend to try and get the job done.”
A positive for England during the World Cup has been the performance of No 8 Ben Earl, who has kept Billy Vunipola out of the starting line-up, and Alex Dombrandt and Zach Mercer out of the squad entirely.
“He has been one of the standout players across the tournament,” Sinfield said.
“If you named a World XV at this time he would be close to getting in it.
“The minutes he has played for us, the ground he has covered, he has done a great job for us.”
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
