The Springboks Secure Back-to-Back Rugby World Cup Finals with Late Win Over England
In a nail-biting showdown on a rainy Saturday in Paris, the Springboks clinched a spot in their second consecutive Rugby World Cup Final by narrowly defeating England with a final score of 16-15.
For most of the match, South Africa’s reign as champions seemed in jeopardy as England surged ahead with a 15-6 lead, only 12 minutes away from victory.
However, the game’s narrative took a dramatic turn when replacement lock RG Snyman scored a crucial try, converted by Handre Pollard. With just three minutes left on the clock, Pollard stepped up again to deliver a long-range penalty, sealing the Springboks’ thrilling comeback victory.
England’s players were left devastated at the final whistle, despite giving their all in a rematch of the 2019 final, where they were considered distant outsiders. It was a particularly heart-wrenching moment for Owen Farrell, who had an outstanding performance throughout the match.
Farrell was at the forefront of many of England’s best moments, opening the scoring with a penalty despite the customary boos from the crowd. Early in the game, England found success in the breakdown and line-out, with Ben Earl making explosive runs from the base of the scrum. However, their own mistakes, including three unnecessary penalties, hindered their progress. One of these penalties allowed Manie Libbok to score three points.
Farrell’s on-edge performance led to a moment of petulance, and he had to be separated from referee Ben O’Keeffe. Nevertheless, he regained his composure and extended England’s lead with another penalty.
South Africa made a key substitution, bringing in Pollard in the hope of gaining better control of the game. Pollard immediately made an impact with a penalty kick. As tension mounted, both teams began to make errors, but Farrell’s precise kicking allowed England to enter halftime with a well-deserved 12-6 lead.
Rookie Leicester lock George Martin played a crucial role in England’s defense with his relentless tackling, and the game remained tight as the rain persisted.
South Africa made further substitutions, bringing in Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux, and Eben Etzebeth. However, these changes failed to shift the momentum, and Farrell once again dazzled with a sensational drop-goal.
England’s captain continued to impress, launching a perfectly timed cross-field grubber that rattled Kurt-Lee Arendse. Yet, South Africa began to gain the upper hand in scrum penalties.
In a sudden surge of momentum, the Springboks’ pack drove forward from a line-out, allowing Snyman to score a pivotal try. With the match on the line, Pollard confidently stepped up and nailed a monster penalty, securing the Springboks’ ticket to the Rugby World Cup Final.
The match had evolved into a thrilling battle of wills, with the Springboks finding renewed energy when it mattered most, ultimately setting up a highly anticipated final clash against the All Blacks.