"Dark arts" - Warren Gatland makes bold World Cup semi-final prediction

The Wales boss wrote in The Telegraph: "WWhisper it, but I think England can beat the Springboks… as long as they don’t allow Rassie Erasmus to control the agenda this week.  

"Whisper it, but I think England can beat the Springboks… as long as they don’t allow Rassie Erasmus to control the agenda this week."

He added: "In my experience of playing against South Africa, you’ve got to match them in the areas that they are going to target, rather than try to play too much rugby.

"If you can make it an arm wrestle, as we did against them in the semi-final four years ago, you can stay in the game long enough to put them under pressure. England made the mistake in the final four years ago of attempting to play too much, but they are a smarter team now.

"And they have got players with a lot of experience and whom I believe have got a couple of big games in them. Guys like Owen Farrell won’t be phased by playing against the Boks.

"England may not have been at their best coming through the pool stages, but I think the bigger games will bring the best out of them. And they have the physicality at the set piece and the kicking game to really challenge the Springboks.

"There seems to be an expectation that South Africa will win the game comfortably, but I think there is a big performance in England."

They said: "Known as Billy Whizz, this former rugby league star proved a hugely successful convert to Union. A lethal runner from full-back or wing, he was a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations."

They said: "Did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line. Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner."

They said: "Had it all in his prime - pace, power, aggression, pride and a steely mind-set. A Lions series winner, a World Cup winner and a trophy magnet with Wasps."

11 Martin Johnson (England)

They said: "A player who led by example and the kind of man you would always want alongside you in the trenches when the chips are down. Would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself."

They said: "He’s also been one of the great match winners of the era and one of the game’s greatest ever accumulators of points.

"In fact, only Dan Carter has scored more in Test rugby, with Wilkinson having garnered 1,246 during his 97 caps for England and the Lions. His finest hour, of course, came in 2003, when he slotted the drop goal that won the World Cup.

"The fact he landed it with his weaker right foot speaks volumes for his hours and hours of diligent practice. Bowed out on a high, earning two more trophies with Toulon."

He said: "Ireland’s record try scorer with 46 touchdowns, O’Driscoll also led his country more times than any other player and his brilliant defensive qualities and dazzling attacking skills made him a threat all over the field."

They said: "The greatest back of the professional era, his record speaks for itself. Way out in front as the leading points scorer in international rugby history, with 1,598 points from his 112 caps. Throw in a further 1,708 points for the Crusaders and the fly-half’s impact on the game cannot be emphasised enough."

They said: "Add to that his leadership and you have the perfect package. Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time."