South Africa snatch victory from England to reach Rugby World Cup final

The 2023 Rugby World Cup in France has entered the right field. At the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, two world champions faced each other: England and South Africa. In a remarkable semi-final, the Springboks snatched victory from the British in the last breath. The African team won 16-15 to reach the grand final, in which they will cross paths with New Zealand, which left Argentina on the way.

The English team did a great job in the first half of the match and managed to lead 12-6 at halftime. Even though the South Africans started a little better, the XV de la Rosa gained momentum as the minutes passed and matched the actions in a physical duel.

England took advantage of Owen Farrell’s uncompromising footing (he converted the four penalties taken in the first period, in 3′, 10′, 24′ and 39′) and solidly defended. Although South Africa failed to achieve a to tryscored from the penalty spot by Manie Libbok and Handré Pollard.

The second half became more balanced, but England managed to widen the gap on the scoreboard with a drop by Owen Farrell in the 53rd minute, to leave the score 15-6. The outlook was very favorable for the European team, but South African insistence allowed them to gradually reduce the gap. In 1969, the to try from the conversion of RG Snyman and Pollard, two points ahead with 10 minutes remaining.

South Africa went for the victory and obtained it with a penalty a few minutes from the epilogue, to earn the right to defend the crown he secured at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The final between the Springboks and the All Blacks will take place next Saturday, October 28, in Saint-Denis. It will be a historic definition because the winner will be the most champion of the Rugby World Cup. The Oceanic and African teams each have three titles. The day before, it will be the definition of third place, between the English and Los Pumas.