South Africa vs England: Red Rose stick with winning formula

Semi-final preview: South Africa v England

Monday July 13. Kick-off 5.30pm, Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi

England have kept faith with the side that edged Argentina 40-38 to book their place in the World Rugby U20 Championship semi-finals, with head coach Andy Titterrell naming an unchanged matchday 23 for Monday’s showdown against South Africa in Tbilisi.

The Young Roses arrive full of confidence after completing a perfect Pool C campaign with victories over Ireland, the USA and Argentina, and now face an unbeaten Junior Springboks side in what promises to be a heavy weight encounter at the Avchala Stadium.

Bath back-row Connor Treacey continues as captain, while winger Tyler Offiah, tight-head Ollie Streeter and replacement scrum-half Jonny Weimann are all set to earn their 10th England U20 caps.

The backline that impressed against Argentina remains intact, with Lucas Friday partnering Hugh Shields at half-back and Exeter Chiefs centre Nick Lilley again lining up alongside Gloucester‘s Will Knight in midfield.

Excitement

Second row Elliott Williams told The Rugby Paper: “There’s a massive amount of excitement.

“When we came together a few months ago, reaching a World Cup semi-final was always one of our big goals.

“We wanted to give ourselves an opportunity to compete for a place in the final and now we’ve earned that chance.

“It’s a huge occasion for everyone involved. Playing South Africa in a World Cup semi-final is exactly the sort of challenge you want as a young player.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to put ourselves in this position, so now it’s about enjoying it while making sure we perform.”

South Africa, meanwhile, have made four changes following their victory over Wales to top Pool A.

Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote has freshened up his side with two alterations in the forwards and two in the backline, while opting for a six-two split on the bench in anticipation of a fiercely physical contest.

Ready to roll: Aiden Ainsworth-Cave in action for England

PICTURE: World Rugby

Prepared well

Kebotile Maake comes in at open-side flanker, Luke Cannon shifts to blindside and Gert Kemp starts at No.8, while Markus Muller returns at outside centre and Luan Giliomee is restored at full-back after completing return-to-play protocols.

Foote said the additional recovery time after the pool stages had allowed his side to recharge ahead of the knockout rounds.

“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery,” he said.

“England have shown their quality by winning all three of their pool games.

“They have a strong and successful history in this competition and will be highly motivated for this match.

“We have prepared well, and now it’s about executing our plan.”

Continuity

England assistant coach Gareth Harris believes continuity has been key to the squad’s development throughout the tournament.

“After three challenging pool-stage encounters, we’ve continued to strengthen the connections across the group, building greater belief, ownership and unity in the way we approach each day,” he said.

“This week’s preparation has been centred on supporting one another to be increasingly decisive in key moments and maintaining our focus on continually levelling up our performance.

“We’re excited by the opportunity ahead and look forward to seeing this squad represent England with the same commitment, energy and togetherness they’ve shown throughout the tournament.”