South Africa vs New Zealand preview: What time does it start, where can I watch the semi-final and what channel is it on?
A look ahead to the Rugby World Cup semi-final at Twickenham
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Your support makes all the difference.The clash of the two big titans of the Southern Hemisphere will bring an end to the hopes of one team to claim a third World Cup as South Africa and New Zealand clash at Twickenham on Saturday.
It’s a big game for…
Richie McCaw: The All Black skipper is nearly at the end of his long career and with this semi-final fixture, he reaches yet another landmark. Having become the first man to captain a side for 100 matches, he will become the first man to captain his side for 12 matches in the World Cup.
He now overtakes England duo Martin Johnson and Will Carling, Raphael Ibanez of France, John Smit of South Africa and Wales's Sam Warburton who have all skippered 11 matches.
Teams...
New Zealand: Ben Smith; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks; Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock; Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kiear Read.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.
South Africa: Willie Le Roux; JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana; Handre Pollard, Fourie du Preez; Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Frans Melherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager; Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Victor Matfield, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Patrick Lambie, Jan Serfontein.
Best stat…
1/5: This is the proportion of matches South Africa have played against the All Blacks out of their total games with an aggregate points score of 1745 v 1412 in New Zealand's favour. The two sides have played in 90 matches since 1921. Through the years, New Zealand have won 52 of the contests, South Africa 35, with three draws.
Remember when…
South Africa won at the death at Ellis Park? In a thrilling contest, the lead exchanged hands three times, with the Springboks leading the way for most of the game. Tries by Ben Smith and Dan Cole in the second half gave a two point lead to the Kiwi’s with 14 minutes left to go, until Liam Messam failed to use his arms in the tackle. From 55 metres out… well, see for yourself.
Player to watch…
Fourie du Preez: The Springbok scrum-half and stand-in captain has been one of the hardest working players around the squad and played for the full 80 minutes against Wales. He eventually scored the decisive try, darting around the blindside of a scrum and past Alex Cuthbert. Squaring up against Aaron Smith, it will be a great contest, though perhaps a dream come true for Smith who has called du Preez his idol.
Past three-meetings…
South Africa 20 (le Roux, Kriel) - New Zealand 27 (Smith, Coles, McCaw) Rugby Championship July 2015.
South Africa 27 (Hougaard, Pollard (2)) - New Zealand 25 (Fekitoa, Smith, Coles) Rugby Championship October 2014.
New Zealand 14 (McCaw) - South Africa 10 (Hendricks) Rugby Championship September 2014.
Road to the semi-final…
South Africa: LWWWW
New Zealand: WWWWW
Vital information…
Kick-off: 16.00 Saturday 24th October.
TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV.
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