England’s hopes of a second Rugby Word Cup title came to an end on Saturday morning as South Africa beat the Red Roses 12-32 in the Yokohama Stadium in Japan.
England beat Australia and New Zealand – two previous champions of the competition – on their way to the final, and were considered favourites heading into the match. But the Springboks dominated all 80 minutes with a strong performance that kept them on the front foot.
Not the result we wanted in Yokohama but congratulations @Springboks on your victory 👏
📝 Read the full match report here ➡️ https://t.co/LiMf0aJTU0 pic.twitter.com/i9dolUhdXV
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 2, 2019
England gained momentum near the end of the first half, getting within metres of the try line, but the South Africa side made sure they didn’t get too close.
Half-time ended at 6-12 to the Springboks after both teams conceded penalties, the England fans’ hopes of a comeback still alive. But not even six replacements in the second half was enough to push through the South African team, who showed no signs of fatigue.
Makazole Mapimpi scored the first try of the match, before teammate Cheslin Kolbe sealed their victory with another near the end of the match.
🏆 1995
🏆 2007
🏆 2019#StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #ENGvRSA #RWCFinal #WebbEllisCup #RWCYokohama pic.twitter.com/92Uxtm4bFO— Springboks (@Springboks) November 2, 2019
"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire."- Nelson Mandela #RWCFinal #RWC2019 #ENGvRSA #WebbEllisCup https://t.co/03uUlDSzNv
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 2, 2019
It may have been a repeat result of the 2007 final in France, but it was a historic victory for South Africa, as Siya Kolisi became the first black player to captain the Springboks, and the first to lift the trophy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4XJjzmnhND/
England’s head coach, Eddie Jones, spoke to ITV Sport after the match, admitting his players “struggled to get on the front foot” but “played with a lot of pride and passion”.
Thank you Japan, you have been incredible hosts.
We are devastated by the result but the support has been amazing. pic.twitter.com/pWUD99aFsX
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 2, 2019
Many venues across London opened early for the final, including Boxpark in Wembley where the highs and lows of the match were shared among the England fans who attended.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR72ildiOQo]
Many people also expressed their congratulations and commiserations for South Africa and England on Twitter, including the All Blacks, who won their bronze medal match against Wales on Friday.
Our fiercest rival on the field, but always a friend off it.
Congratulations to @Springboks on winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Enjoy every moment. 🇿🇦#RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/oY19ZqQWS5
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 2, 2019
A great effort by England in reaching the World Cup Final 2019 and congratulations to South Africa on winning a hard fought game. #RWC2019 #ENGvRSA @rugbyworldcup pic.twitter.com/yN3EfpWObT
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 2, 2019
Huge congrats to the @Springboks!!! Thought you were dominant for most of the game. Proud of @EnglandRugby & everything you’ve done boys!!! What a great @rugbyworldcup!! 🏴🇿🇦
— Jason Robinson OBE (@Jason15Robinson) November 2, 2019
Congratulations South Africa. England we are incredibly proud of you #RWCFinal #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/nNYVZDr7B9
— Ross Kemp (@RossKemp) November 2, 2019
Massive congrats South Africa, on making your beautiful country proud! A great accomplishment. Well played, CHAMPS! #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/fVZ2rz9tyi
— Dan Carter (@DanCarter) November 2, 2019
Words: Alysia Georgiades | Video: Alexandros Papagiannis and Patrick Cohen | Featured image: Thomas Serer on Unsplash