Pool A's big match: England vs South Africa
14-Sep-2007
After setbacks for both teams, the Springboks are still RWC-2007 second-favourites after New Zealand and are looking for a win over defending champions England at the Stade de France, Saint Denis today.
England's coach Brian Ashton has made several changes to the team due to injuries, sickness and the two-match suspension of captain Phil Vickery. South Africa have also been forced to make changes due to an injury and the suspension of Schalk Burger for two matches.
The Springboks had an impressive start to Rugby World Cup 2007 with a comfortable win over Samoa last week, despite some powerful play by the Samoans. England struggled by contrast, with a somewhat nervous win over the USA. South Africa are therefore going into the match as strong favourites but coach Jake White likes to downplay the team's advantage, "The only people that have written England off are some of the media...I don't think it is going to be a one-sided affair at all.".
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CEST on September 15 (7am Saturday, NZ Time).
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