All eyes will be on Twickenham on Saturday afternoon as New Zealand bid to prolong the defence of their Rugby World Cup crown into the final week of the tournament. Standing in their way is a South Africa side that has had their number in the past, yet have stumbled somewhat into the last four and needed a last-gasp Fourie du Preez try to see off Wales in the last eight. All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu will be a keen observer of the action in south west London, not only as a proud New Zealander but with his try-scoring records set to be broken. Springbok winger Bryan Habana needs one try to set a new all-time World Cup high, while Julian Savea would set a new single tournament benchmark were he to cross the whitewash and add to his eight scores so far. Little significance needs adding to a World Cup semifinal, of course, but it means that the first part of this weekend's Twickenham double header should be an enthralling affair.

Team news

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has resisted the urge to tinker with his side, naming an unchanged starting XV for the last four clash. The Springboks have been boosted by the return to the matchday squad of veteran lock Victor Matfield, who is in line to win his 126th Test cap. Indeed, the Northampton-bound second row could start if Lood de Jager fails a late fitness test. Matfield is one of eight players in the 23-man squad who played in the Springboks' 37-13 win over Argentina in the 2007 World Cup semifinals.

The only change to the New Zealand side for Saturday's semifinal has been forced upon coach Steve Hansen with Joe Moody replacing injured prop Wyatt Crockett, who was brought off during the first half of the quarterfinal stroll against France. Meanwhile, captain Richie McCaw will lead out the All Blacks for a 12th time at World Cups, setting a new record. 

South Africa:

Willie Le Roux, JP Pietersen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Bryan Habana, Handre Pollard, Fourie du Preez (captain); Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermuelen 

Replacements: Adrian Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessie, Victor Matfield, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Jan Serfontein

New Zealand:

Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams

© STR/AFP/Getty Images

Key head-to-head

Invariably when the All Blacks face the Springboks there are intriguing match-ups all over the pitch and Saturday will be no different. But perhaps the most important at Twickenham will be who wins the battle of the scrum-halves. Since returning to the side Fourie du Preez has been a steadying influence for the Springboks, and he was crucial to their quarterfinal victory over Wales -- keeping South Africa moving forward before sniping for the decisive score. In Aaron Smith, though, he is coming up against arguably the best No.9 in the world at the moment, a player whose all-round skill level is frightening. Whoever comes out on top between the two half-backs, and can get the most out of their forward pack, will more than likely be preparing for a return to Twickenham next Saturday, too.

Key stats

*South Africa are one of only two teams -- Australia being the other -- that have a winning World Cup record against New Zealand. They have won two of the three tournament meetings between the sides.

*Five players remain from the last World Cup meeting, a 29-9 win for New Zealand in the 2003 quarterfinals. Richie McCaw and Keven Mealamu started for New Zealand, with Dan Carter coming off the bench, while, Victor Matfield and Schalk Burger both played for the Springboks.

*South Africa have played in three previous World Cup semifinals. On the two occasions they won in the last four they also lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Odds

Despite their losing World Cup record against the Springboks, New Zealand are heavy favourites with Unibet, who have priced them at 6/25 to reach a second successive final. The same bookmaker will give you odds of 16/5 for a South Africa win. You can also get odds of 23/10 that Bryan Habana will score the try he needs to set a new all-time tournament record.

Weather

Rain is predicted in TW2 around kick-off, and with temperatures dipping to a chilly 11 degrees Celsius with a stiff breeze, that could play into South Africa's hands.

Prediction

The worry for New Zealand, if they have them, is that they have not been tested as they have cantered into the last four. Since a tricky opening game against Argentina it has been a routine run for the All Blacks, with France surrendering meekly in the quarterfinals. South Africa, on the other hand, found the going against Wales a lot tougher but this is a challenge they will ensure they rise to. The Springboks have not dazzled like the other three sides left in the competition but they will hope the conditions do them a favour and they out-muscle New Zealand at Twickenham. It may prove a challenge too big for Meyer's men though, with the All Blacks not afraid of a physical battle, and while semifinals are often close affairs expect New Zealand to win by at least seven points.