South Africa defeated this afternoon England by a tight 16-15, a result that allowed them to access the final of the Rugby World Cup France 2023an instance in which the title will be settled with New Zealand.
In this way, the British team will play this Friday the 26th against the Argentine team, The Pumasfor the last step of the podium of the contest.
At the Stade de France, in Saint Denis, and under a rain that affected the entire 80 minutes of the match, the Springboks brought out their hierarchy as current champions and took the victory in a final attack.
A penalty by Handre Pollard, 37 minutes into the second half, dictated the dramatic South African victory, after the English dominance had extended for more than a time and a half.
The match, typical of a World Cup semi-final, was close and not very attractive for neutral spectators. The two teams were more careful than they risked, they bet on playing with their feet and on contact situations.
In that context, England felt -almost always- much more comfortable and exhibited notable efficiency in billing in the favorable situations it provided.
Thus, flyhalf Owen Farrell made the most of a formidable strike to convert four penalties (Pt. 6m., 10m., 24m. and 39m.) and contribute a drop to the posts (St. 15m.). Midway through the second half, coach Steve Borthwick’s team tackled and tackled, defended with authority and seemed headed for a sure victory, starting with the 15-6 lead they had.
However, the Springboks reacted with a scrum that allowed them to make up for some errors in ball handling that they showed throughout the match. Thus, when few believed in the comeback there was a try by RG Snyman (St. 35m.), converted by Pollard and the opener’s targeted penalty that gave him a prolonged celebration.
In the first half, the South African team had scored through penalties from Manie Libbok (Pt. 18m.) and Pollard (Pt. 35m.).
In this way, the Springboks will try to retain the title won in Japan 2019 against the New Zealand All Blacks who beat Los Pumas 44-6 on Friday night. The final in which both teams from the Southern Hemisphere will go for their fourth crown will be played on Saturday at the Stade de France, in Saint Denis.
A day before, in the same scenario, the Argentine team will go for the consolation of reaching the bronze medal against England, which beat them 27-10 in the group stage, on the first date of the tournament.
Source: Ambito
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