World Cup semi-final: England lead South Africa at half-time

In the second semi-final of the Rugby World Cup, it is England who lead South Africa 12-6.

Penalties have been the story of the game so far, with two early kicks for Owen Farrell giving England an early 6-0 lead after 10 minutes.

South Africa got into some good positions, but their discipline cost them at vital moments as England won important penalties at the breakdown.

South Africa were pinned back for most of the opening stages before eventually gaining some meaningful ground.

England impressively repelled their opponents but also aided the Springboks by conceding a series of avoidable penalties.

Manie Libbok halved the deficit with a penalty after Borthwick’s men were marched back 10 metres by referee Ben O’Keeffe for some backchat from Farrell.

Following a couple of poor kicks, the Springboks made the decision to withdraw fly-half Libbok with little over half-an-hour played.

Handre Pollard, who booted 22 points against England in the 2019 final in Yokohama, came on to replace him.

England were then forced into a change when flanker Tom Curry was taken off for treatment on a facial injury, with Billy Vunipola on in his place.

Pollard made a swift impact by slotting a simple penalty to reduce England’s advantage to 9-6 as the arm wrestle continued.

Farrell’s fourth penalty of an edgy contest moved England 12-6 ahead at the interval.