23 October 2023 , 10:54
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The post-match brawl between England and South Africa players at the Rugby World Cup began after heavy celebration from Springboks star Willie le Roux, with new footage of the scenes coming to light.
After holding on against Fiji in their quarter-final, England had hoped to squeak past another opponent when they took on the Boks in Saint-Denis. A perfect kicking record from Owen Farrell meant Steve Borthwick's men led 15-6 with less than 15 minutes remaining, only for a converted try to bring South Africa within one score before Handre Pollard's penalty turned the result around.
Emotions were running high after the tense game, which brought South Africa a second straight single-point victory after they denied hosts France during the quarters. And it was the actions of substitute Le Roux which appeared to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
In footage shared on social media, England players are seen squaring up to Le Roux, prompting individuals from both sides to get involved. South Africa try scorer RG Snyman then pulls his teammate away, but by this point the match officials have approached the brawling players in an effort to calm tensions.
One player not involved in the scuffle was another Springboks replacement, Ox Nche. While others have different priorities, Nche can be seen walking around shaking hands with his team's opponents.
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Plenty of fans praised the 28-year-old for his response. "Ox left it all in the pitch had no time for funny business after securing us the win," wrote one, while another said: "His mission was to win the game.......and the mission was accomplished".
What did you make of the scenes after England v South Africa? Have your say in the comments section
England's players reacted after South Africa's celebrations
Multiple players from both teams got involvedDespite the defeat, England star Danny Care said he hoped the team had done enough to win over fans who became disillusioned in the lead-up to the tournament in France. England were unfancied going into the competition, but won all four pool games and beat surprise package Fiji before their narrow semi-final loss.
"There was a lot of stuff said about us before and hopefully we've changed some perceptions, maybe got people believing in us again," Care said after the South Africa game. "Before the tournament, we understand that because of our performances people were doubting us a little bit. But then things clicked into gear a bit when we got over to France.
"We've shown stuff that fans can hopefully get behind and be proud of. The support we've had over here and back home has been amazing. This team will go on to bigger and better things, I'm sure of it."
England will take on Argentina on Friday for the lesser honour of third place, with South Africa facing New Zealand in the final 24 hours later. The All Blacks beat the Pumas 44-6 in the first of the two semis to set up a meeting between the last two Rugby World Cup champions.