South Africa break England hearts with late show in Rugby World Cup semi-final

21 October 2023 , 20:53

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England were undone late in the day by South Africa

South Africa broke England hearts in Paris and will get the chance to defend their World Cup next weekend.

The Springboks were heavy favourites but were second best for much of the contest in the Stade de France - leading for less than three minutes in the French capital.

Owen Farrell had England in the lead for much of the match, kicking them into the lead in the opening minutes. However a late push from the world champions saw them overcome the underdogs and end the English dream.

Farrell's boot had England 12-6 ahead at the interval before he produced a mammoth drop goal to put his side more than one score ahead, giving life to the upset.

Handre Pollard kicked the winning points for South Africa

South Africa rang the changes early in the second-half and one of the replacements, lock RG Snyman, powered over to give the Springboks hope going into the final stages.

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Rassie Erasmus chose to haul off fly-half Manie Libbock before half-time, bringing on Leicester Tigers star Handre Pollard. He wasn't even selected in the original squad, but has more than proved himself.

South Africa began to enjoy dominance at the scrum as the game went on, winning successive penalties, before a crucial penalty went their way on 77 minutes. Pollard them hammered over a penalty from 49metres to turn a two point deficit into a one point lead.

England looked to work a position in the final moments but struggled to get any territory before a knock on sealed their fate and sparked South African celebrations with a World Cup final date with New Zealand this time next week.

Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi told ITV: "All the hard work we put in is paying off. It was ugly today, but that is what champions are made of. I give all credit to England, they were written off before the World Cup and they showed who they were. It was ugly but we found a way, well done to the boys, proud of the fight.

He also added: "England outplayed us in the kicking game, our discipline was off in the first-half but we fought back and showed what we can do with the full 23."

Samuel Meade