Fans turn out on a wet French evening for the Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa. Photo: RNZ / Tiffany Salmond
It's Saturday night in Paris and that means it's time to find out who will be meeting the All Blacks in next weekends decider.
England take on South Africa in what will be a rematch of the 2019 final, where a total of 26 players from both previous world cup teams return for another go at triumph on the international stage.
South Africa were the better team four years ago which means the men in white will be looking for redemption.
Brothers Charlie and Alex Du Sautoy arrived in Paris a few days ago for the much-anticipated semi-finals weekend.
"England are going to run these guys over," Alex Du Sautoy said
"Yeah, Englands got this in the bag!" Charlie Du Sautoy said.
"We thought on paper, a Northern Hemisphere team, a bit of rain it would actually help us out a little bit."
When asked about the English loss in the previous World Cup final against South Africa, the brothers weren't too keen on walking down memory lane.
"Uh, we don't remember what you're talking about. It doesn't cross my mind," Du Sautoy said laughing.
Brothers Charlie Du Sautoy (right) and Alex Du Sautoy are confident England can get the win tonight. Photo: RNZ / Tiffany Salmond
English fans Paul and Jo Clark, and Katharina and Patrick Roberts, came dressed for the occasion.
Paul Clark (right), Jo Clark (second from right), Katharina Roberts (second from left) and Patrick Roberts Photo: RNZ / Tiffany Salmond
"We're expecting a massive England victory, crushing the boks within the first 20 minutes so that the game is nullified and then we're bored," said Patrick Roberts.
"And then we're looking forward to playing New Zealand in the final!" Jo Clark said.
When asked if the weather put them off attending the match tonight;
"No! It's like back home!" Paul Clark said.
The foursome are so confident of tonight's result that they have already secured their tickets to the final.
It appears to be a mixed bag of fans tonight with neither team having a larger presence over the other. But it's a different story for South African fan Jack Short.
"I've come with about 20 English people, so I'm outnumbered. I'm actually having the worst time of my life so far, hating every moment," said a laughing Short.
"The worst thing about an English supporter is if they do lose they can be just as chipper afterwards."
The friends study together at The University of Edinburgh and say they may return to Paris for the final - depending on which one of their teams make it through tonight.
Harry Purton (right), Jack Short (centre) and Alasdair Neish made the trip to Paris from Edinburgh. Photo: RNZ / Tiffany Salmond
Gerry Anderson is placing his bets behind his home country of South Africa but is remaining cautious.
"I think South Africa will have a narrow win," Anderson said.
"From the last World Cup, the best front row in the world has been South Africa and the second best has been on our bench."
Gerry Anderson and his wife are looking forward to tonight's semi-final clash Photo: RNZ / Tiffany Salmond
As the rain settles in for the night, fans will be hoping for a semi-final worth weathering the storm for.
