England 15 - 16 South Africa
In poor conditions with rain and a circling wind the boot of Owen Farrell was not enough for England, as the fly half's 15 (including a clever drop goal) didn't measure up to South Africa's deep bench. Controversy abounded in this chippy contest, with tempers flaring, questionable officiating, and allegations of racist abuse sullying the match.
England came out to play, out-playing the Springboks physically throughout the first half. Indeed, South African scrum half Libbock was subbed off in the 31st minute following several costly mistakes. It was around this time that England flanker Tom Curry alleges that the Springbok's hooker, Bonji Mbonambi, used a racial epithet against him. World Rugby are investigating. Emotions were high throughout the game with the dark arts in the ruck on full display.
England went in at half time leading 12-6.
On came the South African replacements in the second half. The England scrum faltered. A lovely drop goal from Farrell in the 53rd extended England's lead. But could they find the try line for the first time on 20 years against the Springboks?
Instead it was the South Africans falling into the end zone in the 69th minute to make it 15-12 in England's favor, but the England scrum faltered. South Africa may have benefitted from the confusion of a rotating scrum, as multiple angles showed the Bok's loosehead and hooker with turned hips, but the calls went against the English.
With ball in hand and a try under their belt, the South Africans secured yet another scrum penalty in the 78th. An icy cool kick by Handre Pollard broke the hearts of the English, giving the Springboks the one point win.
The final should be a good, if familiar affair between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
England and Argentina play for 3rd.
In poor conditions with rain and a circling wind the boot of Owen Farrell was not enough for England, as the fly half's 15 (including a clever drop goal) didn't measure up to South Africa's deep bench. Controversy abounded in this chippy contest, with tempers flaring, questionable officiating, and allegations of racist abuse sullying the match.
England came out to play, out-playing the Springboks physically throughout the first half. Indeed, South African scrum half Libbock was subbed off in the 31st minute following several costly mistakes. It was around this time that England flanker Tom Curry alleges that the Springbok's hooker, Bonji Mbonambi, used a racial epithet against him. World Rugby are investigating. Emotions were high throughout the game with the dark arts in the ruck on full display.
England went in at half time leading 12-6.
On came the South African replacements in the second half. The England scrum faltered. A lovely drop goal from Farrell in the 53rd extended England's lead. But could they find the try line for the first time on 20 years against the Springboks?
Instead it was the South Africans falling into the end zone in the 69th minute to make it 15-12 in England's favor, but the England scrum faltered. South Africa may have benefitted from the confusion of a rotating scrum, as multiple angles showed the Bok's loosehead and hooker with turned hips, but the calls went against the English.
With ball in hand and a try under their belt, the South Africans secured yet another scrum penalty in the 78th. An icy cool kick by Handre Pollard broke the hearts of the English, giving the Springboks the one point win.
The final should be a good, if familiar affair between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
England and Argentina play for 3rd.
