In Summary
- New Zealand vs South Africa takes place on Saturday October 28, 2023.
- England were committed in the first half.
- The Springboks changed their line-up after the break.
South Africa or New Zealand will become the first team to win the Rugby World Cup for a fourth time when they meet in next weekend’s final.
The Springboks booked their space on Saturday night by edging England by a single point.
England were committed in the first half, raining down kicks into the South Africa backfield, forcing a steady supply of penalties.
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Owen Farrell converted four to send his side into the break with a 12-6 lead.
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Springbooks Change of Line Up
The Springboks changed their line-up after the break, but a Farrell drop-goal edged England further clear and to the brink of a quivering shock.
However, an RG Snyman try 10 minutes from time cut the underdogs’ lead to 15-13 before the Boks’ scrum power earned Handre Pollard the match-winning penalty in the 77th minute.
It was the cruellest of outcomes for Steve Borthwick’s men, who dominated the collisions, set-piece and breakdown for fully 60 minutes
SA coach on the win
An interview with BBC sports South African captain Siya Kolisi: “It’s honestly all the hard work we have put in which came off. It was really ugly but that is what champions are made of.
“Credit to England, they have worked hard. They were written off before the World Cup but have pulled themselves together and shown who they are.
“They are not a team you take lightly, all credit to them for being in the semi-final. To my team as well, it was ugly like it was last week but we found a way to fight back.
“I am really proud of the fight we showed, especially the guys who came off the bench once ag
Date, kick-off time and venue
New Zealand vs South Africa takes place on Saturday October 28, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The Stade de France in Paris will host the match
