South Africa grind England down to inflict World Cup final heartache

South Africa were crowned world champions following an emphatic 32-12 win over a demoralised and dejected England in Yokohama.

England had been hoping to set the early tempo as they did in their semi-final win over New Zealand, but were immediately forced onto the back foot by a ferocious South African pack.

Handre Pollard had already missed a kickable penalty before England were forced into an early change when Kyle Sinckler, one of their most influential players during the tournament, was forced off after suffering concussion as he attempted to tackle Makazole Mapimpi.

Pollard slotted South Africa into the lead following an indiscretion from Courtney Lawes shortly afterwards before Owen Farrell appeared to have steadied England’s nerves with a penalty of his own after 18 minutes.

An error from Maro Itoje from the kick-off resulted in Pollard being presented with an immediate opportunity to restore the Springboks lead,  which he took before an astonishing defensive effort limited England to just three points from Farrell following 25 successive phases of play.

Pollard subsequently kicked two more penalties before the interval to hand South Africa a six-point advantage with England struggling to cope in the scrum without Sinckler’s formidable presence.

Eddie Jones made a brave substitution at half-time, introducing George Kruis in place of Courtney Lawes, but it failed to steady England’s scrum with South Africa winning a fourth penalty which allowed Pollard the chance to create further daylight.

After a flurry of substitutions England finally enjoyed some rare joy at the scrum and reduced the gap to six points thanks to the trusty boot of Farrell but the England skipper failed to repeat the trick moments later after fantastic work from Tom Curry and Anthony Watson forced Pollard to concede a penalty for holding on.

Farrell and Pollard exchanged penalties just before the hour mark but South Africa created clear daylight with 15 minutes remaining following the best passage of play in the final.

Mapimpi’s clever kick was chased and collected superbly by Lukhanyo Am’s and the centre showed superb awareness to pass back inside for the onrushing wing who gleefully celebrated South Africa’s first ever try in a world cup final at the third attempt.

The Boks didn’t have to wait long for their second with England punished for taking one risk too many by the electric Cheslin Kolbe who weaved his way past several tackles to score in the corner.

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