Rugby Union Today: Semi-final teams and Expert Witness

Colin Newboult

England's George Ford during a press conference at The Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as England, New Zealand and South Africa named their teams ahead of the World Cup semi-finals in Yokohama.

What’s on the site

England have reverted to the George Ford-Owen Farrell axis for their encounter against New Zealand, with centre Henry Slade, who started the game versus Australia, dropping to the bench.

World Cup winner Lewis Moody casts his eye over that game and predicts who is going claim a final berth in Expert Witness, while the former flanker also delves into the other last-four contest between Wales and South Africa.

Finally, there is plenty of domestic action taking place in Europe this weekend and we have previewed Friday’s matches in the Premiership and PRO14.

What’s in the news

Wales have suffered a blow ahead of their encounter against the Springboks with full-back Liam Williams being ruled out of the contest due to an ankle injury sustained in training.

Meanwhile, their opponents on Sunday are also without a key player with Cheslin Kolbe not fit to be included in South Africa’s side to take on the Welsh. Sbu Nkosi has replaced the Toulouse flyer and will feature in a back three which contains Makazole Mapimpi and Willie le Roux.

Elsewhere, the All Blacks have sprung a surprise in their line-up to face England with Scott Barrett replacing Sam Cane in the XV and Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker.

What’s on social media

Statistics which show why England and New Zealand have been formidable in Japan…

What’s on TV

The Rugby World Cup continues where the games will be exclusively live on ITV. It has reached the semi-final stage and there will be a couple of thrilling matches as England take on New Zealand and Wales face South Africa.

Away from the global tournament, the Premiership has reached Round Two and BT Sport will continue their coverage with Friday night’s game between Bath and Exeter Chiefs.

Elsewhere, the PRO14 returns after a week’s break with Edinburgh’s encounter against the Scarlets the standout match on Premier Sports.