England hatch plan to ‘rip into’ South Africa as thousands flock to semi-final
England will take a ‘no regrets’ attitude into Saturday night’s do-or-die Rugby World Cup semifinal against world champions South Africa.
Defence coach Kevin Sinfield believes that despite England being massive underdogs they will rise to the occasion at the Stade de France.
“I understand the challenge in front of us but I don’t mind being backed into a corner, don’t mind being written off, don’t mind being slammed, don’t mind being in the thick of a pretty tough circumstance.
“I just think we’re in a World Cup semifinal, there is a lot of good in it here, there’s a lot of things to be excited about,” said Sinfield.
“Coming up against them will let us know where we’re at but for our players, they are so excited to be out there.
“Rewind eight weeks and it was pretty grim for us, at the end of August, but we want them to absolutely rip into it on Saturday night and give it everything you’ve got, otherwise you end up with a load of regrets for the rest of your life.
“We are talking about different personalities and characters in the group and some will absolutely thrive on the fact that we are coming up against the best team in the world at the weekend.”
Thousands of England fans have descended on the French capital intent on turning it into a home game.
“In all the games we have had so far, the support has been unmatched in my opinion and hopefully they can bring that tomorrow,” said wing Elliot Daly.
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“We do hear it. It is very loud in these stadiums and really does spur us on so if we can keep going with that, it will be brilliant for us.”
South Africa will start as hot favourites but assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the World’s No 1-ranked side will not be taking England lightly.
“We have seen what they have done in the past and against New Zealand in Japan in the semifinal four years ago. That was one of the most physical games I have ever seen,” said Stick. “ England will pitch up and we will make sure we pitch up.”
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