Giants to fall

England and New Zealand will clash tomorrow in a blockbuster Japan Rugby World Cup semifinal between the top two teams in the world.In the other semifinal on Sunday sees South Africa and Wales crossing swords.When news filtered in that French referee Jérôme Garcès will be officiating in the semi, South African fans were hit by instant, collective nausea. The Boks have a well-documented shocking record under the Frenchman, winning a mere four of the 14 Tests under Garcès' watch - or 29%. The Boks have also never beaten Wales while the Frenchman has officiated. Since the Springboks knocked out Wales in the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup, they have lost four matches on the trot to Warren Gatland's side. England beat Australia 40-16 in the quarterfinals, while defending champions New Zealand smashed a hapless Ireland 46-14.“It's the two heavyweights of world rugby - one dressed in black, the crowd favourite, the nation's favourite, the other in white, probably the most disliked team in the world,” said England coach Eddy Jones.Jones has made changes to his team, recalling George Ford, who returns to half, while captain Owen Farrell switches to inside centre. Henry Slade drops to the bench, where the only other change sees Mark Wilson replacing Lewis Ludlam.Jonny May, meanwhile, has been cleared to start after recovering from a hamstring injury.“We just feel that (Ford and Farrell) is the best combination for the start of the game. New Zealand play a certain way, and George's work rate off the ball is going to be super-important for us.“They bring a tactical awareness - when you play New Zealand you have to be practically very smart, and George and Owen together are probably at the forefront in that area in the world.“New Zealand are a great team. They have an impressive winning record since the last World Cup,” Jones added.He said that like any good team, you have to take time and space away to find areas you can pressure them. “We believe we have identified a number of areas where we can do that.”All Blacks coach Steve Hansen made a few changes.Lock Patrick Tuipulotu comes onto the bench, Ardie Savea moves to seven with Scott Barrett at six, with Sam Cane being dropped to the bench. Kolbe ruled outThe Springboks reached the semis after defeating hosts Japan 26-3, thus dashing their dreams of going further in the cup.They will now clash with Wales who won a close encounter against France 20-19.The Springboks have added Sbu Nkosi to their line-up, who takes Cheslin Kolbe's place. Kolbe has been ruled out of the clash due to an ankle injury.This is a major blow to the Springboks, given Kolbe's renowned game-breaking and try-scoring abilities.“It's disappointing not to have Cheslin available as he has been brilliant for us since we first called him up last year,” said their coach Rassie Erasmus. “But we really rate Sbu and he will slot straight in. I'm as excited to see what he can do, as I would be if 'Chessie' (Kolbe) were playing. Sbu has been very close to selection as it is.”Erasmus added that Wales are the reigning Six Nations champions as well as Grand Slam winners, and apart from three defeats in their Rugby World Cup warm-ups, have put together a really good sequence of results.“But we've also found some rhythm and we'll be ready for the challenge,” Erasmus said.'The Wales line-up will be unveiled today. PredictionsThe All Blacks and South Africa will advance to the final.LIMBA MUPETAMI

Giants to fall

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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Giants to fall

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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