In a thrilling Rugby World Cup semi-final match, South Africa secured their place in the final with a narrow 16-15 win over England in Paris.
The game started with England executing their game plan almost perfectly in the first half, as four successful kicks from Farrell’s boot gave them a 12-6 lead.
South Africa responded with two penalties of their own, but the team was unimpressed with starting fly-half Manie Libbok’s performance, leading to a huge call being made by the coaching staff to replace him with Handre Pollard just 30 minutes into the game.
England continued to maintain their lead, with a spectacular drop goal from the skipper giving them a 15-6 advantage with 20 minutes to go.
However, the Springboks fought back, as Rudolph Snyman went over from close range and Pollard converted to reduce the deficit to just two points.
The South Africa scrum then dominated, earning a scrum penalty in the final few minutes, which was confidently converted by Pollard to give them a 16-15 lead.
The unlikeliest of likely wins was secured by South Africa, who had been the clear favourites heading into the match but led for only two-and-a-half minutes.
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Scotland-born England captain, Owen Farrell, was gracious in his defeat, praising Pollard’s clutch kick and expressing how proud he was of his team’s performance.
He also praised the team’s effort and sheer will, stating that the result was secondary to the team’s overall achievements over the past five months.
He expressed confidence in the team’s future while acknowledging that this World Cup would be the last for some players.
South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, was jubilant after the match, expressing his pride in his team’s hard work, which had paid off.
He acknowledged the game was ugly, but that it was the hallmark of champions.
He was impressed by England’s performance, highlighting the efforts of coach Steve and Owen, and warning that they were not a team to be underestimated.
He praised his team for fighting back and getting back into the game, commending them for their grit and determination.
South Africa now moves on to the World Cup final, where they will face New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, October 28 (8 pm kick-off BST).
Meanwhile, England will face Argentina in the third-place play-off next week at the same venue on Friday, October 27 (8 pm kick-off BST).
