
English hearts were broken all over again as South Africa overpowered the Red Rose to win the Rugby World Cup.
In a repeat of the 2007 final, the imperious Springboks sailed to a 32-12 victory thanks to a flawless kicking performance from Handre Pollard and two sensational tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Chelsin Kolbe.
But despite their brutal approach for so much of the final, South Africa turned on the style with 14 minutes remaining as Mapimpi went over the line.
And the story of the match was captured by Kolbe’s late try, as South Africa’s defence brutalised England’s attack once again to win the ball, before the right wing showed too much quality and ended the game.
Siya Kolisi, the country’s first ever black captain, lifts the trophy as rugby continues to bring a nation together.
“Obviously not it is not the outcome I expected.
“South Africa were worthy winners, they were the better team on the day.
“No doubt the better team won,” he said. “At this level of rugby, if you can’t scrum properly, if you’re going to give five or six penalties at your scrum against a team like this, you’re always going to come second.