Boks shrug off England revenge talk: 'Our motivation comes from within'

After coming through such an intense encounter against France, there are concerns the Boks might struggle to lift themselves against an England side itching for revenge following a string of recent defeat.

South Africa emerged 27-13 triumphant in their most recent encounter while they also claimed that famous win in the 2019 World Cup final.

Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus expects England to have 'some beef' with the Boks, and captain Siya Kolisi agrees.

"We know what happened last year and the previous World Cup," the flanker said.

"Lots of their players were there and want to prove something. They have improved compared to before the World Cup. You can see the intent, the work-rate, the aggression they have around the field.

"It's a completely different team, that's why they are the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

"We are not silly. Our motivation doesn't come from without, it comes from within. They will have their motives and so will we which is constant - to play for one another, for the jersey and the people back home."

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Meanwhile, head coach Jacques Nienaber explained the reason for naming an unchanged line-up ahead of their Rugby World Cup clash with England.

After knocking out the host nation France 29-28 in the quarter-finals, Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus have decided against making any alterations for their next encounter.

The Springboks have unveiled several selection surprises during the 2023 World Cup, but they arguably produced the biggest shock of all on Thursday by picking the same 23 from the clash with Les Bleus.

"The World Cup is a long tournament, which is why we went with a policy of rotating," Nienaber said. "The majority of the group who played in the quarter-final also played against Ireland.

"If you talk about physicality, our players told us the Tonga game was one of the most physical they had played in. So the one group got nicely exposed to it against Ireland, and the others got exposed to it against Tonga.

"Physicality is like any conditioning component, you have to get used to it. From that point of view, it set us up nicely for the France game.

"Obviously the French game was physical but our policy is if you can't train on Monday, you can't play. But everyone was good and ready to train, so we got a nice stimulus from a physical point of view against France."

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South Africa go into their match with the English as heavy favourites, but Nienaber is wary of an improving Red Rose side.

Steve Borthwick's men remain the only undefeated team in the competition and go into this clash with very little to lose.

"If you look at their performances, they are improving every game, they are getting better" the Springboks head coach said.

"Like the French, they have a unique kicking game, they are comfortable not playing with the ball. They like to strangle you, kick the ball in your half, apply the pressure and wait for you to make a mistake.

"From a tactical point of view, we know what's coming and we just need to make sure we execute on the day."

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