In the Rugby World Cup semi-final, the Springboks dealt a devastating blow to England, securing a last-minute victory with a 16-15 scoreline in Saint-Denis.
With just two-and-a-half minutes left on the clock, Handré Pollard’s skillful penalty kick from 49 meters out gave South Africa their first lead of the match at the Stade de France. This crucial conversion capitalized on an infringement by Ellis Genge during a ruck.
For the majority of the game, England had the upper hand, despite being considered underdogs. Fly-half Owen Farrell’s successful conversion of four penalties saw Steve Borthwick’s team leading 12-6 at halftime. However, Rassie Erasmus made significant changes at halftime, including the substitution of his number 10, Manie Libbock, with Pollard, a move that ultimately proved inspired.
South African captain Siya Kolisi commended his team’s tenacity, acknowledging that the victory was hard-fought. He expressed empathy for England, recognizing their determination and effort to reach the semi-finals.
The match was a rematch of the 2019 final, which South Africa also won, although by a larger margin of 32-12. The anguish of losing the lead so late in the game made this defeat harder to bear, evident in the dejected England players seen on the ground on a rainy night in France.
South Africa is now set to face New Zealand in the final on Saturday, October 28, with both teams vying for a record fourth title.
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