After an epic weekend of Rugby World Cup quarter-final action, the Springboks will now face the English this Saturday, 21 October, in a match that kicks off at 21:00.
Meanwhile, on Friday night, the first semi-final will be between the All Blacks and Argentina.
ALSO READ: Springboks soar to No 1 in World Rugby rankings!
Check out the Rugby World Cup fixtures below:
Springboks rise to the occasion
After Sunday’s win over France, Bok captain Siya Kolisi suggested the team had just wanted it more.
“We knew how tough it was going to be. I must give credit to the guys that came off the bench, they came and made a huge difference. And most importantly, the people back at home. Honestly, the support that we’ve received. You know, they can’t afford to be here but the videos, the schools singing for us and the videos.
“We play for the nation, it’s not about us on this field any more, it’s about the people back home and that’s what’s driving us.”
ALSO READ: Will the Springboks make any changes for England clash?
Kolisi paid tribute to France for their display in a heart-breaking defeat in front of their home fans.
The flanker added: “It was a hard game. We knew how tough it was going to be with the French team at home and honestly, I just want to say well done to them for what they’ve achieved and how hard they’ve worked.”
ALSO READ: What time, date will Springboks face England in RWC semi-final?
Kolisi went off early in the second-half but urged his team to victory that keeps alive their hopes of defending the title they won in Japan four years ago.
“Obviously, somebody else was on the field, all I could do was bring the energy. With the amount of French people in the crowd, the boys need all the energy,” he added.
WATCH: Rassie Erasmus’ wild celebrations after win over France
Jacques Nienaber, South Africa’s head coach, is relishing the prospect of facing England back at Stade de France.
“Massive. I think it’s going to be a nice challenge,” said Nienaber. “In knockouts anything can happen, like tonight I followed the England game when we were on the bus here.
“They had a healthy lead and then Fiji came back and then they also pushed it right to the end. I think knockouts are going to be small margins right to the end.”
“Credit to the French. We knew it was going to be this tight. I think everybody knew it was going to be a big battle. Two good teams and unfortunately, or fortunately for us, we were on the right side of things.
Discussion about this post