Proteas relishing England Cricket and Rugby World Cup double

MUMBAI: South Africa’s Cricketers hope to pave the way for their rugby union team on a ‘Super Saturday’ where they are each involved in crunch World Cup clashes with England.

The Proteas will lead the way in Mumbai when they face reigning Cricket world champions England in a key pool match, with both sides looking to recover from shock defeats by the Netherlands and Afghanistan respectively.

Hours later, the atention of sports fans in the two countries will turn to Paris, with title-holders South Africa playing England in a Rugby World Cup semi-final.

The Springboks are bidding to lit the Webb Ellis Trophy for an unprecedented fourth time, having won their third global title when they defeated England 32-12 in the 2019 final in Yokohama, Japan.

“We’ll be supporting the Springboks and they’ll be supporting us as well,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma told a pre-match press conference in Mumbai on Friday.

“We play first so the responsibility is on us to get things going the right way.

“They( the springboks) actually sent us a message to our team meeting wishing us luck in our game.

“As players we have the responsibility to put smiles on the faces of our countrymen and come back with the win,” the opening batsman added.

South Africa are expecting abater’ s paradise when they face old rivals England.

England lost to Afghanistan by 69 runs and South Africa were toppled by Netherlands to put the brakes on their excellent start to the tournament. Both will be eager to get back into gear on what has traditionally been a fine wicket for bating.

Both teams have excellent hiters in their top six, with the return of Ben Stokes from injury a big plus for England.

South Africa were poor at the back end of their bowling effort against Netherlands and then started tentatively with the bat as they succumbed to a 38-run loss.

Meanwhile, no wonder the Springboks are big favorites heading into their semi-final against England in Paris.

The English are trying not to think that way, though.

“We’re not talking about a team that’s never lost,” England lock Maro Itoje said. “We’re not talking about a team that is without fault. They are a good team. But so are we.”