The Springboks are geared and confident ahead of tomorrow night’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England at Stade de France in Paris.

For the first time this season, the Boks have named a totally unchanged match-23 and following their big performance against France they will have great momentum.

The Boks edged the hosts 29-28 in an epic Test that went down as an instant World Cup classic.

The English in their turn managed to beat Fiji 30-24, a team that beat them before the World Cup at Twickenham.

The only time the English have beaten the Boks at a World Cup was 20 years ago during the group stage in Australia. All three of the other games between the Springboks and England at a World Cup were played at Stade de France with South Africa reigning supreme on each occasion.

Pieter-Steph du Toit - Getty/ RWC

The Springboks are well aware that their crown is at stake on the weekend and according to the captain, Siya Kolisi, they have enough motivation heading into the semi-final.

“We know what happened last year at Twickenham and in the previous World Cup final,” said Kolisi.

“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.”

Saturday night's semi-final at the crown jewel of French rugby kicks off at 21:00.

Facundo Isa - Adam Pretty - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Meanwhile, the semi-finals kick-off on Friday nightt with the three-time champions, the All Blacks in action against the Los Pumas of Argentina.

The All Blacks are no doubt the favourites to win this game, and judging by their performance during last week’s 28-24 win against Ireland, they are certainly the team to beat at the minute.

The All Blacks have definitely found their rhythm and this just a year after there was talks of sacking their coach, Ian Foster.

The Argentines in turn are in the semi-finals for just the second time after reaching the last four in England in 2015.

The coach, Michael Cheika, said as the underdogs they will be fired up at it to the All Blacks.

“New Zealand have been playing for many years, they are the number one team in world rugby,” said Cheika.

“We know the challenge they represent. This is the World Cup. The challenge is daily, every week and we're pleased to be here.

“We know the challenges are getting harder and harder. History is not in our favour but it is up to us to change that.

“We have a chance on Friday and we will be ready. When we arrive on the field we will do what we do best.”

This semi-final, which is also expected to be a humdinger, kicks off tonight at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport