Time Lock and Bluestocking give owner-breeders Juddmonte a strong hand in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

Time Lock has made steady progress throughout the season for the training partnership of Harry and Roger Charlton and appears to have hit form at just the right time with Qipco Champions Day in mind judged on an impressive Group Three victory at Newmarket three weeks ago.

The Ralph Beckett-trained Bluestocking finished third in the Ribblesdale Stakes, second in the Irish Oaks and fourth in the Yorkshire Oaks earlier in the season, but was unable to make the most of having her sights lowered when touched off by Al Qareem in a Listed event at Chester last time out.

Juddmonte’s racing manager Barry Mahon admits testing conditions at Ascot will not be ideal for either filly, but feels both merit their place at Ascot.

“They’re two lovely fillies, the ground is an obvious concern I suppose for both of them, but they have both shown they can handle it on occasions,” he said.

“Time Lock ran well on Goodwood on heavy ground when she finished third in the Lillie Langtry and obviously Bluestocking was second in the Irish Oaks on soft ground, so they have run well on soft before, it just depends how testing it is.

“It’s the end of the season, it’s a lovely place to finish up and it’s nice to have both of them in it with a chance.”

Time Lock would be a popular winner for Derby-winning trainer Roger Charlton as he prepares to fully hand over the licence to his son Harry at the end of the season.

“She is in great form and is on the right path, growing in confidence with her success. It looks very competitive with a big field but she’s in as good form as any of the others at the moment,” said Charlton junior.

“It’s hard to be too confident as the conditions aren’t ideal. We’d be going with more confidence if they weren’t looking at so much rain, as good ground would have been ideal, but she handles soft.”

The likely favourite for the Group One contest is John and Thady Gosden’s Free Wind, one of five rides on the day for Frankie Dettori on what is set to be his final competitive appearance in Britain.

The five-year-old was well held in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three weeks ago, but her narrow defeat at the hands of Warm Heart in the Yorkshire Oaks in August arguably sets the standard.

“Free Wind found the ground a bit lively in the Arc. Frankie looked after her and that’s one of the great things about him, he’s very quick at knowing when they aren’t enjoying it,” said John Gosden.

“He wrapped up on her with 400 metres or so to go and that’s why I can entertain running her again here – she seems in good form.”

Aidan O’Brien saddles Jackie Oh, who was narrowly denied an Arc weekend victory when touched off by Blue Rose Cen in the Prix de l’Opera.

The daughter of Galileo will be tackling a mile and a half for the first time this weekend, but O’Brien does not expect the longer distance to be a problem.

“We always felt a mile and a half was within her compass and ease in the ground will definitely be a help to her. She’s very genuine and we’re really looking forward to her,” he said.

South Africa have condemned the death threat received by scrum-half Cobus Reinach ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against England.

Montpellier player Reinach was targeted on social media in the wake of his country’s 29-28 quarter-final victory over hosts France.

Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus highlighted the abuse directed at the 33-year-old by posting a screen grab on his X account.

South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who said Reinach is in a “good space”, praised the security levels at the tournament and believes the matter is being handled by the French authorities.

“We’re well aware of the situation with Cobus and his family,” Stick said on the eve of facing England in Paris.

“We don’t have a place for hooligans in our game. The players do their job to make sure they represent their country and we are here to represent South Africa.

“If somebody has got a problem with that, I think the French authorities will have to deal with that.

“But from our side, we’ll make sure we protect each other: our players, management, everyone involved.

“We don’t have a place for that in the game. You win some, lose some as part of the game.

“Whoever sent that message to the player, I’m really disappointed about that.

“We’ll keep doing everything in our powers to make sure we make our people proud at home.

“Regarding the situation, I think it’s well handled now by the French authorities.”

Reinach, who played for Northampton between 2017 and 2020, will start against Steve Borthwick’s side at the Stade de France as part of an unchanged South Africa line-up.

The message sent to him, translated from French, read: “Dirty son of a b****. I hope that when you return to Montpellier you get murdered by French people on the ground. Gang of thieves. Easy to win a title by cheating.”

Many France supporters criticised the performance of the match officials following their elimination at the hands of the Springboks, while Les Bleus captain Antoint Dupont suggested referee Ben O’Keeffe was not “up to the level of the game”.

Asked how Reinach is feeling, Stick replied: “He’s proper. I’ve seen him every day.

“He’s in a good space, he’s got his family around him.

“In our camp, we must also give credit to the French security around our hotels. With all the teams, the security is just another level.

“I don’t think at the moment there is something to worry about because we know for sure we are well protected in our camps.”

Tom Curry knows what it takes to defeat South Africa as he braced England for the fight of their lives in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final at the Stade de France.

Curry was part of the side that was crushed by the Springboks in the 2019 final, but he also played in England’s two victories against their rivals in 2018 and 2021 as well winning with the British and Irish Lions that same year.

Having experienced highs and lows against the reigning champions, Curry has built up an insight into the type of performance needed to topple the world champions.

“I’ve been lucky enough to experience both sides. I understand what it takes and it’s going to be a lot so can’t wait to go after it this weekend,” the all-action openside said.

“It’s always a great game when you play against them. We know the Springboks and they’ve developed their game. They’ve matured and we have as well.

“This is a clash between two very exciting teams and we can’t wait to go. It’s a semi-final. If that’s not enough to get you up for a game then I don’t know what will.

“For me there’s no place you’d rather be than in a semi-final against South Africa.”

Wing Elliot Daly is another survivor from England’s harrowing defeat in Yokohama four years ago and one of a small group of players whose international careers were revived by Steve Borthwick’s appointment in December.

The versatile Saracens back, who had fallen out of favour with Borthwick’s predecessor Eddie Jones, believes that experience has no relevance to Saturday’s rematch.

“It was disappointing four years ago but the feel around this team is that it’s a very different team to then,” Daly said.

“I had a bit of time out from the squad and then when I came back in, there was a different feeling within this group. We’re going to try and harness that.”

Daly will form a back three with Jonny May and Freddie Steward, who has been reinstated in the number 15 jersey after losing it to Marcus Smith for the quarter-final victory over Fiji.

Even if Smith had not been ruled out by concussion, however, it is unlikely Steward would have been overlooked given he has the skills needed to deal with South Africa’s precision kicking game.

“Fred’s been brilliant since he started playing for England. The confidence he’s shown since the start of the World Cup campaign has been brilliant,” Daly said.

“He’s a rock at the back under the high ball and he’s really starting to grasp the attack game now.

“He’s making really good decisions on the edge, which are usually putting me in space, which is nice. He’s a quality player and we back him all the way.

“The relationship between us in the back three now is brilliant – we can talk to one another on the field and make sure we’re in the right positions to try to take advantage of any space back there.”

Frankie Dettori will have the support of a number of old allies when he bids for a memorable farewell on Qipco British Champions Day.

The Italian will jet off for a number of international engagements before his American move after Ascot’s end-of-season showpiece on Saturday – and it is appropriate the 52-year-old will close the European chapter of his career at a venue that has played host to some of the most notable moments in a journey featuring over 3,300 winners.

As well as 81 winners at Royal Ascot, the Berkshire track was also the scene of his first Group One triumph and the place he famously went through the card in 1996 for the 25,095-1 ‘Magnificent Seven’.

He will bow out after partnering King Of Steel in the feature Qipco Champion Stakes, but fittingly, will begin his swansong adorned in the royal blue of his former employers Godolphin aboard Trawlerman.

Many of Dettori’s finest hours have come when riding for Sheikh Mohammed’s organisation, and Hugh Anderson, managing director of Godolphin, is in no doubt about his place in racing history.

He said: “Nothing is certain with Mr Dettori, but it looks like it will be his last ride for us, certainly in 2023, and for me personally and for Godolphin, Frankie Dettori has been a huge part of our history.

“Long before I came to Godolphin myself, back in 1996, I was on my brother’s stag do when he won all seven including the QEII. I sort of feel personally that I go back a long way with him and it has been a huge joy and a privilege to be associated with him in the time I’ve been at Godolphin.

“For my whole adult life – and I’m a little bit older than Frankie – he has been the top jockey or one of the top jockeys in this country and I think his contribution to the sport has been incalculable.

“I’m very pleased he is going to be wearing Godolphin blue on what is potentially his last Champions Day and we hope he does well.”

Trawlerman claimed the 2022 Ebor under an inspired ride from Dettori and Anderson is hoping to see one final moment of magic aboard the John and Thady Gosden-trained outsider.

“Let’s hope he runs better than his odds,” he continued. “He’s a pretty good horse and Frankie has done wonders with him. Particularly, if you remember the Ebor when he had to come up with a cunning plan with John Gosden having been drawn on the far side of the track.

“You can’t predict the Dettori story, but you can predict it will be fun. Racing is better with Dettori in it and we wish him all the best.”

Dettori steered Enable to an unprecedented three wins in the King George at Ascot – as well as two in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – and will link-up with her owners Juddmonte in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – a race he has won on six occasions.

He has been the ‘go-to’ man for the Abdullah family’s racing operation over the years and he now renews his association with Chaldean, who provided both Dettori and Juddmonte with Classic success in the 2000 Guineas earlier in the year.

“Frankie has been an integral part of Juddmonte for 20 years, so it would be special if we could provide him with a winner on his last weekend at Ascot – and no one knows their way around Ascot better than Frankie,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for the owners.

“Over the years he’s been brilliant. In recent times Enable and (2019 St Leger winner) Logician are two that come straight to mind and I remember him winning on Enable and Expert Eye at the Breeders’ Cup a couple of seasons ago – what a special night that was.

“He’s been top-class for over 20 years and he’ll be hard to replace. He was always our go-to man when we got into Group Ones or Classics when he was available.”

However, this may not be the last of Dettori riding for Juddmonte, who have a thriving and expanding team of talent in America.

“He’s an unbelievable talent, hopefully he’ll have a good winter in America and maybe we will see him next year,” added Mahon.

“He’s already been on at me trying to recruit a few horses for California. Every time he rides a winner for us he tells me ‘that would do well in California!’. It shows his appetite is still there.”

Dettori had to wait until 2017 to first get his hands on the Champion Stakes trophy aboard eventual dual winner Cracksman and his quest for a third victory in the race on Roger Varian’s King Of Steel will bring the curtain down, perhaps only briefly, on his 37-year career in Britain.

The Milan-native was the man on top when Varian saddled his first Group One winner in 2011 and 12 years on, the Newmarket trainer is delighted to have the services of “the ultimate professional” aboard his stable star.

Varian said: “You can get wrapped up in it being Frankie’s last Ascot ride etc., but I don’t think any of us will be thinking about that too much, even Frankie. As he gets on the horse and heads to start it’s just another day at the office and he’s the ultimate professional when the goggles come down.

“We’re happy to have him on our horse on Saturday, and on the big day, when the goggles come down, he’s one of the very best there has ever been and the season he’s had tells everyone he is still riding at the top of his game.

“He rode us our first ever Group One winner which was Nahrain in the Prix de l’Opera back in 2011, so at the top level it started with Frankie in the saddle and he’s ridden for us all around the world on occasion, if not regularly. Why wouldn’t you turn to him if the situation suits?”

Free Wind for his long-time ally John Gosden and another familiar equine face in Kinross – the horse he labelled his “cash machine”, so often does he deliver – complete Dettori’s Champions Day book of rides, as he hopes to perform his flying dismount celebration once more before he packs up his kit from the Ascot weighing room.

And the man himself will be doing his level best to not let emotions run away with him as he waves goodbye to a country in which he has become a household name.

He said: “It’s a premier raceday where we crown our champions of the year and it will be my last day of riding in England. I don’t want to take the gloss off Qipco British Champions Day, it coronates the best horses of the year – the best fillies, colts, milers, middle-distance and long-distance horses.

“It will be very emotional, but I am set to have four or five decent rides on the day. So, I’ll try to keep my emotions in check until after my last ride, but obviously all my friends and family will be there.

“I’m sure I’ll shed a tear on the day, but at the moment I’m really trying to focus on the races and give my friends and family something to shout about on the day.”

Frankie Dettori partnered thousands of winners over the years and much argument can be had about his finest performances in the saddle. We look at 12 of his most memorable victories:

Markofdistinction, Queen Elizabeth II, Ascot, 1990

Dettori’s first winner at the highest level was aptly trained by his mentor, Luca Cumani. The rider produced his mount two furlongs out after settling in behind early on and hit the front with a furlong still to run. He hung a bit in the finish, but Dettori proved strong enough in the plate to hold on and claim the victory.

Lochsong, Prix de l’Abbaye, Longchamp, 1994

Always a headstrong individual, Lochsong knew no other way of running than blasting out of the stalls and trying to make all – a quality which suited Dettori’s excellent front-running skills. With something to prove after finishing last in the Nunthorpe at York, Dettori let his mount rocket to the front and he never saw another horse as she strolled home by five lengths.

Barathea, Breeders’ Cup Mile, Churchill Downs, 1994.

Hardly the most obvious of challengers after a largely indifferent season, Dettori also started from stall one aboard the Cumani-trained colt. However, he made the direct route pay as tracked the leaders hard against the rail before switching to the outside and galvanising Sheikh Mohammed’s Barathea to a clear-cut victory over Johann Quatz.

Fujiyama Crest, Gordon Carter Handicap, Ascot, 1996

The horse that sealed Dettori’s superstar status and propelled him beyond the confines of the racing world. Fujiyama Crest gave his all under the Italian, making every yard of the running before clinging on by a neck to seal the rider’s ‘Magnificent Seven’. Dettori never forgot the gelding’s contribution to his legend and when his racing days were over, he bought Fujiyama Crest to see out his days in a paddock at his home.

Dubai Millennium, Dubai World Cup, Nad Al Sheba, 2000

Orginally named Yaazer, Sheikh Mohammed renamed the Seeking The Gold colt Dubai Millennium when his potential became clear. The 2000 Dubai World Cup was his ultimate target from the moment he took on his new moniker and the colt fulfilled his destiny when Dettori took him to the front after just a furlong and he powered home by six lengths, to rapturous cheers from the crowd.

Fantastic Light, Irish Champion Stakes, Leopardstown, 2001

A rematch of Fantastic Light’s King George battle with Galileo ended in a thrilling finish up the straight. The pair raced stride for stride throughout before they knuckled down to slug it out in the final furlong, with Galileo looking certain to edge it only for Fantastic Light to respond to the Dettori drive and claim the prize.

Scorpion, St Leger, Doncaster, 2005

Dettori’s decision to partner the Coolmore-owned favourite proved controversial, with the Italian apologising to Sheikh Mohammed for taking the rival ride in the aftermath. In atrocious conditions, the 10-11 shot made all, with Dettori having to survive a slight scare as Scorpion jinked into the rail inside the final furlong, but nevertheless running out a decisive victor.

Authorized, Investec Derby, Epsom, 2007

Dettori looked destined to never win the blue riband of British Flat racing after 14 unsuccessful attempts, but Peter Chapple-Hyam’s colt was his best chance yet. Slowly away and further back than ideal, Dettori exercised patience and let his mount work his way into contention before joining the issue two furlongs out and powering away by five lengths.

Raven’s Pass, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Santa Anita, 2008

Jimmy Fortune was jocked off in favour of Dettori as the John Gosden-trained colt became the first British winner of one of America’s biggest races. Held up early on, Dettori switched wide at the top of the straight and Raven’s Pass powered down the outside to lead a furlong out and record a famous victory.

Golden Horn, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, 2015

The colt who put Dettori back in the big time. The pair had enjoyed a stunning season, with just one blip, at York, but the crowning moment undoubtedly came in France. The masterful Dettori soon got his mount in the best possible position from an unfavourable draw and while it briefly looked at one stage that Treve might swoop to conquer, Dettori had got it right again and his mount stayed on in tremendous fashion. Majestic.

Enable, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ascot, 2019

Enable defined three seasons for Dettori and her victory over Crystal Ocean after a titanic battle up the Ascot straight is definitely one for the highlight reel. The pair went toe to toe over the final two furlongs, with Dettori demonstrating his mastery in the saddle as he put down his whip and relied on hands and heels to snatch a narrow verdict over an incredibly worthy adversary. The mare added a record third triumph the following year.

Stradivarius, Gold Cup, Royal Ascot, 2020

Not a vintage renewal by any means, but Stradivarius was another cornerstone of the Dettori-Gosden partnership renaissance. Heavy rain on raceday morning appeared likely to impact on Stradivarius’ chance of a Gold Cup hat-trick, but Dettori rode with supreme confidence and when he popped the question, Stradivarius sprinted clear to win by 10 lengths – with the duo returning to near silence and empty stands due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ascot have confirmed the three races due to take place on the round course on Qipco British Champions Day will be run on the inner course.

Following almost 40 millimetres of rain in the past seven days, the going had turned extremely testing on the round course by Friday morning, with heavy appearing in places.

A rule had been brought in some time ago stating that should that be the case, Ascot were able to move the Long Distance Cup, Fillies & Mares Stakes and the Champion Stakes to the inner/hurdles track.

The going on that track was reported as good to soft, soft in places, while on the straight track, used for the Sprint, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Balmoral Handicap, it was soft.

A statement released by Ascot read: “The going on the round course is now soft, heavy in places. Following verification from an independent panel and agreement that this will not improve before raceday, the three Round Course races will switch to the Inner Flat Course.

“This is as per the race conditions which state that in the event of ‘heavy’ appearing in the going description the races will switch to the Inner Flat Course.

“The going on the Inner Flat Course is currently good to soft, soft in places.”

As a result there are minor distance changes to two of the three races which will move. The Long Distance Cup will now be run over one mile seven furlongs and 127 yards, a decrease of 82 yards. The Fillies & Mares Stakes will be run over 78 yards less taking it to just under a mile and a half, while the Champion Stakes stays over 10 furlongs.

Ascot racecourse helped develop Frankie Dettori into the world-famous jockey he became thanks to his ‘Magnificent Seven’ in 1996, on an afternoon which evolved into Qipco Champions Day. So it is fitting he will bid farewell – at least it seems he will – to British racing at that meeting this weekend.

That incredible day saw Dettori win all seven races, at cumulative odds of 25,095-1 – a feat which saw some bookmakers go bankrupt.

What is Champions Day?

British Champions Day is the richest day of racing in the UK with £4 million in prize-money up for grabs. With the ultra-competitive Balmoral Handicap, the Group Two Long Distance Cup and four Group Ones, the afternoon showcases the best of British racing – and this year offers racegoers the chance to say goodbye to Dettori. Champions Day is an upgrade on the British Festival of Racing, which in 1996 became headline news thanks to one man.

So, can he do it again?

His day begins on last year’s Ebor winner Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup in which Trueshan and Kyprios will prove tough nuts to crack. Kinross won the British Champions Sprint 12 months ago and has been a very reliable ally for Dettori in recent seasons. Free Wind faced a tough test in the Arc but will be more at home in the Fillies & Mares Stakes, while Chaldean has a live chance in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Picking up the ride on King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes is a real boon and suddenly Dettori has an enviable book of rides.

What are the chances of a flying dismount?

Frankie took his trademark flying dismount idea from Angel Cordero Jr, a leading rider in America when the Italian rode as a youngster in the States. He brought it over to Europe and the racegoers loved it, with it adding to Dettori’s growing profile every time he rode a big-race winner. According to the bookmakers, this year his best chance of a winner is Ralph Beckett’s Kinross in the Sprint.

What are the bookmakers saying?

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “It’s most likely the last time we will say this, but the man we fear most heading into the weekend is of course Frankie Dettori. With a potential five-timer on the cards, Dettori is giving us a few more sleepless nights before he starts a new chapter in the US.”

Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, said: “While Frankie Dettori is now set to ride on in the US next year, Champions Day is still a chance for British crowds to wave farewell to the flamboyant rider and he’s sure to want to sign off riding in the UK with a big win.

“We make Dettori 5-4 to ride one winner and take his total to 10 Champions Day wins, while he’s 3-1 to boot home two or more winners on Saturday.”

What are Ascot doing to mark the occasion?

Dettori was at London’s South Bank last week promoting the afternoon. However, the morning took an unexpected turn when he announced he was no longer retiring but heading to ride in California for the winter. Nevertheless, he is still insisting Ascot is his European farewell.

England and South Africa meet in the World Cup for the sixth time in Saturday’s rematch of the 2019 final.

Here the PA news agency examines five talking points as the rivals battle it out for a place in the Paris showpiece on October 28.

Rising from the ashes

It was only eight weeks ago that England fell to their first defeat to a current tier two nation after Fiji had run riot at Twickenham, yet now they are one win away from a second successive appearance in the World Cup final. A kind draw has facilitated their march into the last four but they have also emerged from every challenge thrown at them – including a rematch with dangerous Fiji in the previous round – and in the process developed the vital ability to dig out victory when faced by adversity. Remarkably given the strength of Ireland and France, they are the last remaining Six Nations representative and the only unbeaten team left in the tournament.

English beef

England may have distanced themselves from the game’s billing as a rematch of the 2019 final but with eight starters from that clash in Yokohama present on each side, the historical context is undeniable. South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus expects the underdogs to have “beef” after they were flattened 32-12 on an afternoon of crushing disappointment four years ago, capitulating without firing a shot. While not the most powerful source of their motivation for Saturday, revenge would be sweet.

Score to settle

Of the survivors from four years ago, Dan Cole’s story is the most remarkable. When Kyle Sinckler was knocked out just three minutes into the final, Cole came on as his replacement and suffered a torrid time at the scrum until Joe Marler took over at loosehead early the third quarter, steadying the set piece. Leicester’s veteran tighthead became the fall guy and was cast into the international wilderness with little hope of a reprieve. But the stars aligned when Steve Borthwick took over in December and at 36-years-old the Test centurion has the opportunity to avenge that day against the Springboks by nullifying what England’s head coach views as the best scrum in the world.

Puncher’s chance

Given the way England are talking, they will not die wondering. They have a core of players capable of making dents on South Africa in different ways and several are in ‘last dance’ territory, knowing this could be their last appearance in a Red Rose jersey, providing additional inspiration. But the Springboks are overwhelming favourites, with bookmakers giving Borthwick’s men only a puncher’s chance. How much Sunday’s epic victory over France has taken out of them will only become clear at the Stade de France, but they are one of the great South Africa sides who are playing for a nation beset by challenges, as vocalised by skipper Siya Kolisi – “we’re a purpose-driven team, not a trophy-driven team”.

Rassie’s “dark arts”

Erasmus is a wily operator, a master disruptor who attempts to unsettle opponents and officials through the use of mind games or by coming up with unusual innovations to give his team an edge. Opting for a scrum when a mark was called against France in the quarter-finals is an example of the latter, while his use of social media – most notoriously during the 2021 Lions tour – is frequently controversial. Warren Gatland knows from his sparring with Erasmus when he was Lions coach two years ago of the danger of allowing him to “control the agenda” because of his skill at the “dark arts”.

Emma Raducanu has confirmed she hopes to return to competitive action in time for the start of the new tennis season.

The 2021 US open champion has been sidelined for six months having undergone surgery on both wrists and her ankle after successive injury setbacks.

The 20-year-old told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme that she had not set a date for her WTA Tour return, but would “be back for the start of this season for sure”.

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Raducanu, who has slipped to 280 in the world rankings from a career-high number 10, said: “I will be coming back with probably a lower ranking, but I’m actually looking forward to starting again, kind of resetting.

“I already have that in the bank, so now I can keep going and keep building from here. I still have new goals, new things I want to achieve.

“But I’ve still got like 15 years left in my career, so there’s no rush.”

Raducanu has not confirmed who will coach her when she returns to the tour having gone through five different coaches in just over two years.

She believes her inquisitiveness could have been an issue for some of them.

She added: “I ask my coaches a lot of questions. On certain occasions they haven’t been able to keep up with the questions I’ve asked so maybe that’s why it ended.

“It’s something I’ve always done. I keep provoking and asking questions to coaches and challenging their thinking as well.

“I’m not someone that you can just tell me what do and I’ll do it, I need to understand why and then I’ll do it.”

England will be appearing in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals for the sixth time when they lock horns with current champions South Africa at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Here the PA news agency looks back at their previous five last-four encounters.

1991, Edinburgh: Scotland 6 England 9
Rob Andrew’s drop-goal clinched the win for England but Scotland captain Gavin Hastings earlier missed a simple penalty in front of the posts with the score tied at 6-6. It was a gruelling encounter short on thrills and Scotland have never been as close since.

1995, Cape Town: England 29 New Zealand 45

A harrowing afternoon for English rugby saw giant wing Jonah Lomu run riot at Newlands, scoring four tries including one in which he marauded through Tony Underwood, Will Carling, Mike Catt and Rob Andrew.

2003, Sydney: England 24 France 7
It was far from a classic because of the conditions but England eventually prevailed through the boot of Jonny Wilkinson, who landed three drop-goals and five penalties. Frederic Michalak managed just one of his five shots at goal for France.

2007, Paris: England 14 France 9

Josh Lewsey scored an early try for England but hosts France fought back through three Lionel Beauxis penalties to edge 9-8 ahead. But Wilkinson came to the rescue once again by landing a penalty and drop-goal in the last five minutes.

2019, Yokohama: England 19 New Zealand 9
England delivered possibly their greatest World Cup performance of all, routing the All Blacks with the scoreline failing to reflect their dominance. Manu Tuilagi crossed in the second minute, setting the tone, and George Ford kicked four penalties.

England’s World Cup semi-final clash with South Africa in Paris is the latest instalment of a rich history between the two nations on the biggest stage of all.

In their five meetings in the tournament, England have won only once ahead of Saturday’s match.

Here, the PA news agency looks at their rivalry.

1999 quarter-final – Paris, France:
England 21 South Africa 44

England ran into an unlikely road block in the form of Jannie De Beer’s unprecedented haul of five drop-goals, which started landing when the game was finely poised. De Beer’s record for drop-goals in a match still stands 24 years later.

2003 group match – Perth, Australia:
England 25 South Africa 6

A tight game was ultimately settled in the 63rd minute when Will Greenwood crossed after Lewis Moody had charged down a clearance, enabling England to extend a lead that was only 12-6 on the hour mark. England went on to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

2007, group match – Paris, France:
England 0 South Africa 36

England’s first World Cup defeat since 1999 – also against South Africa – was a calamity with the Springboks leading 20-0 against opponents who never threatened the line. A barrage of kicks and forward muscle overwhelmed England.

2007, final – Paris, France:
England 6 South Africa 15

England rebuilt following their pool debacle and gave a far better account of themselves in a tense final that saw wing Mark Cuteo touch down only for the try to be controversially ruled out because of a foot in touch.

2019 final – Yokohama, Japan:
England 12 South Africa 32

A week after demolishing New Zealand in sensational fashion, England were overpowered and contributed to their own downfall by making a series of errors. Eddie Jones’ side did not fire a shot and endured a harrowing evening at the scrum.

Friday’s jumps fixtures at Fakenham and Uttoxeter have been called off as Storm Babet continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds across the country.

Both tracks had called inspections for 7.30am but neither venue will race due to the weather conditions.

Uttoxeter had 12 mm of rain overnight, with clerk of the course Richard Fothergill anticipating a further 20 mm at least over the day.

He said: “We had the 12mm overnight but in the hour after I walked the course at 7am, we had a further 5mm. The forecasts are for upwards of 20mm, with some even saying 40mm.

“We were raceable yesterday, but we didn’t have much scope for more.”

Fakenham clerk of the course David Hunter felt a combination of factors had gone against the Norfolk venue.

He said: “We had 17mm by 6.15/30 this morning which was fine, but the problem is what is to come with our forecaster saying we could get 30-40mm, with the worst rain moving in around lunchtime.

“We have a drainage ditch that runs through the course from surrounding farmland with a pond that can overflow onto the track, we also couldn’t guarantee safety vehicles would be able to access all areas of the track and obviously horse and rider safety is paramount.

“Given the weather is not ideal for travelling either, we felt it best to make an early decision.”

Redcar’s Flat meeting has been given the go-ahead after passing a morning inspection, although officials at the track will continue to monitor the forecast strong winds – a proviso that also applies to Newcastle’s evening meeting on the all-weather.

Jack Welsby is determined to banish the memory of last year’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final defeat to Samoa when he leads out England for the first of three Test matches against Tonga in St Helens on Sunday.

The 22-year-old said he was “surprised and humbled” to be handed the captaincy in the absence of George Williams, who failed in his appeal against a two-match ban he picked up in Warrington’s play-off defeat earlier this month.

It continues a steep career trajectory for the Saints star, who made his international debut in the crushing opening World Cup win over the Samoans, before suffering with his team-mates as they slid to their agonising loss to the same team in the last four.

“I’m very excited and humbled,” said Welsby. “When Waney (England coach Shaun Wane) came up and told me I was surprised, especially with some of the senior blokes we’ve got in that dressing room.

“To be leading them out on Sunday afternoon is going to be a big thing for myself and my family. Nothing really trumps being England captain, no matter where it is, but there is also the added bonus of it being in St Helens.”

With the exception of a routine 64-0 win over France in April, Sunday represents Welsby and England’s first opportunity to right the wrongs against top-level opposition, whose squad includes two current Saints team-mates in Will Hopoate and Konrad Hurrell.

Welsby told to the PA news agency: “If we’re completely honest with ourselves, maybe there was a bit of complacency in the semi-final because we’d been putting some big scores on teams and we thought we were better than we were.

“It was the worst feeling I’ve ever had on a rugby field, and if you don’t learn lessons from days like that, you never will. I’m pretty sure after what happened last year, you’re not going to see the same mistakes against Tonga.”

Despite a stellar personal season which culminated in him being shortlisted for the Man of Steel award, Welsby endured another painful blow when his hopes of helping Saints to a fifth straight Grand Final triumph ended abruptly against Catalans Dragons in France.

Instead, he admits he forced himself to watch through his fingers as Wigan wrested the title against the French club, confirming that the domestic dominance he had experienced since becoming a first-team regular at the Totally Wicked Stadium in 2019 was at an end.

Welsby grimaced: “I did watch it, reluctantly. It was a tough watch, but I had friends and England team-mates involved in the match. Obviously we were very disappointed how it ended with Saints, but Wigan deserved it on the whole this year.

“I’m glad the England call-up meant my season wouldn’t end in France. Anywhere you get to pull on an England shirt it makes you immensely proud, and obviously being in St Helens in front of hometown fans will make it even more special.”

It is a mark of the importance placed by Wane in the series – which continues with subsequent matches at Leeds and Huddersfield – that five players currently based in Australia’s NRL have been flown over for the games.

Tom Burgess, John Bateman, Elliott Whitehead, Victor Radley and Dom Young could all feature in a line-up balanced between experience and youth, as Wane looks to begin the long build towards a prospective re-arranged 2026 World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere.

However, Wane must work without Williams for at least the first two games of the three-match series, as well as a number of high-profile injury withdrawals, including Welsby’s Saints team-mate Jonny Lomax and Wigan centre Jake Wardle.

“When you see the NRL players over here and the quality in the Tonga squad, you realise it’s time to get started,” added Welsby. “After everything that’s happened, I just can’t wait to pull the England shirt on again and rip right in.”