The World Cup final beckons: talking points ahead of England-South Africa
The two teams met in the final four years ago, with South Africa resounding winners.
England and South Africa meet in the World Cup for the sixth time in Saturday’s rematch of the 2019 final.
Here the PA news agency examines five talking points as the rivals battle it out for a place in the Paris showpiece on October 28.
Rising from the ashes
English beef
Score to settle
Puncher’s chance
Given the way England are talking, they will not die wondering. They have a core of players capable of making dents on South Africa in different ways and several are in ‘last dance’ territory, knowing this could be their last appearance in a Red Rose jersey, providing additional inspiration. But the Springboks are overwhelming favourites, with bookmakers giving Borthwick’s men only a puncher’s chance. How much Sunday’s epic victory over France has taken out of them will only become clear at the Stade de France, but they are one of the great South Africa sides who are playing for a nation beset by challenges, as vocalised by skipper Siya Kolisi – “we’re a purpose-driven team, not a trophy-driven team”.
Rassie’s “dark arts”
