Rugby World Cup: And in the end, it’s the Boks who win again

Once again South Africa crucified their opponent. It was two minutes from the end this time. The Springboks beat England (15-16) on Saturday evening in Saint-Denis and won their place in the World Cup final. They will face the All Blacks, a week later, on Saturday 28 October at the Stade de France, in a duel of stars: three titles for New Zealand (1987, 2011, 2015), and three also for South Africa (1995, 2007, 2007). 2019). The expected encounter, albeit strangely, represents a small surprise in an evening match largely dominated by England, the only unbeaten team in the competition.

There was no greater excitement in the stands than the day before, during the All Blacks’ rally against the Pumas (44-6). The Blues’ elimination in the quarter-finals seemed to dampen the enthusiasm, plunging the end of this World Cup forever under a veil of grey. Moreover, since the French XV returned to school, the World Cup has been rained out. There was no excitement then, but unlike the first semi-final which was played out in a quiet tone, this one saw some noise.

Rather, aggressive demonstrations. French fans, who were disappointed not to see their favorite team in front of their eyes on their way to the coveted coronation, spent their time mocking referee Ben O’Keefe, who is considered responsible for the French XV’s defeat to the Springboks (28-29). Six days ago. The New Zealander was booed for two to three minutes when he entered for warm-ups, then the booing resumed, and was even louder, when his name was announced after the team was made. French fans also booed South African players Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Itzeth.

We must realize that the scene in the field has never been one of ecstasy. A match limited to the smallest possible perimeter, a barrage of kicks – rarely do we see so many candles in an unlit stadium – and a lot of foolishness. This slow pace suits Rose’s players perfectly, who are combative but still too slow in their endeavors since the start of the World Cup. For their part, the Springboks failed to express their strength, were too restricted in their initiatives and too imprecise.

Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber’s men, considered a duo of master strategists, showed themselves strangely impotent, doubling down on serious errors. Facing a huge deficit, Mane Leboc, who was not comfortable in such a context, was replaced in the 31st minute by Handry Pollard, the hero of the match after three-quarters of an hour.

England led in the second half with an old score (12-6). England captain Owen Farrell relished his role as goalscorer in a match designed especially for him. His 47-meter jump struck like lightning in the gray area (53rd place, 15-6), and seemed to roll out the red carpet towards the final under the shoes of the Rose players.

Snyman’s effort at the second row 11 minutes from time, with an exceptional touch found by Pollard, reignited the suspense. The latter concluded with a fifty-metre penalty kick two minutes from time. Even when South Africa dominates the ball, they are difficult to beat. All black people know that.