England 15-16 South AfricaSpringboks recover from 15-6 down to set up All Blacks final
So near and yet so far. South Africa are into the Rugby World Cup final but this was the night when English rugby finally roared again. They were denied at the very last by a nerveless long-range penalty from Handré Pollard which took the Springboks through to a final against New Zealand next Saturday but in every other category this was one of the great English efforts.
Because these white tornados were utterly unrecognisable from the England who stuttered into this tournament. They flew into everything, harried ceaselessly and played the tricky wet conditions splendidly. At times South Africa seemed to be out of answers as their opponents, spearheaded by Owen Farrell, Courtney Lawes, the youthful George Martin and Ben Earl, dragged them to the edge of reason.
About Author
More Stories
Amsterdam police arrest more than 60 people after attacks on Israeli football fans
Andy Farrell urges Ireland to ‘get back on the horse’ after All Blacks setback
Canada’s Olympic drone spying scandal a symptom of an ‘unacceptable culture’