Springboks set dream final at the Rugby World Cup.
Written by Ayanda Nyuswa on 22 October, 2023
By: Simtho Dladla
South Africa will face New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final after snatching a dramatic late win over England in their semi-final.
England executed their game plan to near perfection in first half as four Farrell penalties gave them a 12-6 lead, South Africa responding with two penalties of their own. The Springboks didn’t help themselves. Not long intp the first half their lineout gave away two maul turnovers, with two crucial Bongi Mbonambi throws not straight and the green pack looking frustrated. Amongst the English eight, George Martin and Maro Itoje were on a tear.
Despite his usual calm head when kicking England’s points, a moment of hotheadedness from Farrell when disagreeing with a call from the referee saw England marched back a further 10 metres after giving away a penalty. After a scoreless opening 10 minutes of the second half, Farrell scored a drop goal in what would be England’s final points of the World Cup.
England threw everything at the Boks, just like they’d done for the entire match but this time they couldn’t find the range, or draw the penalty. Ox Nche providing immediate impact on the loosehead for South Africa, and Snyman stomped with intent from the second row, too.
England will face Argentina on Friday for the 3rd and 4th place play-offs.
image:Gallo Images