Steve Borthwick’s men nearly pulled off a shock but the Boks are into the World Cup final.
WITH THE RAIN pouring down and the pressure on, Handré Pollard held his nerve.
It was their scrum that saved them, with Ox Nche and co. winning a string of penalties to help Rassie Erasmus’ men avoid a major shock defeat. Pollard was a big part of the bench impact too, sent on after just 31 minutes as Erasmus hooked starting out-half Manie Libbok when the tide was against his side.
The English lineout applied pressure too, with Maro Itoje making a steal at the very first lineout of the game and then Boks hooker Bongi Mbonambi uncharacteristically throwing crooked, one of two such errors in the opening half. Advertisement Libbok was able to get the Boks onto the scoreboard just after the quarter mark when England skipper Farrell was punished for not dropping the ball after a penalty went against his side. Referee Ben O’Keeffe marched England a further 10 metres and the Boks finally opted for the posts after the unsuccessful string of maul attempts.But more kick pressure from England gave Farrell another chance to kick at goal soon after.
Borthwick’s men had a big chance early in the second half after Farrell won back a Mitchell kick, then rolled a clever grubber in behind Willemse in the left corner, with the Boks fullback spilling the ball into touch. But having earned a five-metre lineout, hooker Jamie George threw in crooked. He followed up with another one just minutes later as the rain continued to pour.
England led 15-6 with 25 minutes left and their kicking game continued to cause havoc. Right wing Jonny May won back yet another box kick, Farrell grubbered into the left corner again, and this time Arendse knocked on to have them a five-metre scrum.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Springboks condemn disgusting death threat sent to ReinachA French supporter threatened the scrum-half and his family.
Read more »
The World Cup needs a better semi-final. England must live with the BoksThe Springboks have more variety to their play and are strong favourites tonight.
Read more »
Boks back in final after last-gasp win over EnglandHandre Pollard kicked a last-gasp penalty as South Africa fought back to beat England 16-15 and set up a Rugby World Cup final clash against fellow triple champions New Zealand.
Read more »
TRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA! England 15-13 South Africa (Snyman, 70′) Finally, South Africa have their breakthrough, and this is going to be a barnstormer of a final 10 minutes. The Boks win their lineout, Fourie makes huge yards and brings it to within a foot of the line, and on the next phase, Snyman powers his body through the tackle of Joe Marchant to score. Pollard converts. England’s lead is cut to just two points with 10 minutes on the clock.TRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA! England 15-13 South Africa (Snyman, 70′) Finally, South Africa have their breakthrough, and this is going to be a barnstormer of a final 10 minutes.
Read more »
South Africa star receives death threats ahead of England Rugby World Cup clashRassie Erasmus told of death threats sent to Cobus Reinach
Read more »
Irish fans told 'swallow your pride' and support England at World CupEngland have made it to another World Cup semi-final and, as much as they may quibble, all Irish, Welsh and Scottish rugby fans is sit back and watch.
Read more »