Rugby WC 2023 : South Africa beat England in a thriller 16-15 , to meet NZ in final

 



It will be South Africa vs New Zealand in the Rugby World cup 2023 final next weekend 


Springboks break English hearts with late win in a Rugby World Cup classic  after the All Blacks dumped Argentina in a hopelessly one sided semi final one day earlier 


England beaten despite leading for most of semi-final in Paris. It was a day of heartbreak for the poms as the Proteas have beaten them in 2 separate world cup stages within hours of each other on the same night .



England were two minutes away from a glorious victory over South Africa when Steve Borthwick’s biggest Leicester Tigers signing came back to bite the Red Rose boss.


When Handre Pollard booted his penalty from all of 50 metres, South Africa claimed the lead for the first time in Paris – and brave, battling, ferocious England were sunk 16-15.



Pollard was sent into the fray off the bench only 30 minutes in, when Manie Libbok was hauled off after a wretched showing. That brutal change was ultimately vindicated by the final result.


South Africa’s late scrum dominance killed England in the end, thwarting the Red Rose men’s Rugby World Cup final dream. Four-straight Springbok penalties totally turned the momentum on its head.


England were 12-6 ahead at half time and  had led 15-6 heading into the final quarter-hour, thanks to four Owen Farrell penalties and a monster drop-goal from the Red Rose captain.


England  had bullied, harassed and dominated the Springboks for the first hour, in a way that hardly anyone had expected. But then the Springboks  wrestled that scrum advantage, forced their way upfield and struck twice.


First, RG Snyman powered in for the game’s only try, after good work from Kwagga Smith. Then came that moment where Pollard delivered. England attacked again but could not find anything else.


England were spent, and at the last, defeated. England were so excellent for so long, and can take great pride and solace.


Full-back Freddie Steward was all-but perfect under the high ball, but it was his late knock-on that handed the  South Africans the scrum from which they won that decisive penalty. Once all the replacements were sent on, England lost their scrum parity, and the Springboks pounced.



England will now face Argentina for the bronze medal while the Springboks and All Blacks will clash for the world supremacy .


Both New Zealand and South Africa have won 3 world cup titles apiece and the winner next weekend will reach a record 4th title . South Africa are the reigning World champions having won in 2019 .




Courtesy : standard .co.uk 

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