England have reached the semi-finals, having won all the matches played so far in this World Championship. Not bad for a team that wasn’t considered a favorite. The doubt was whether they would be able to stop the dynamic performance of a South African team who, despite losing to Ireland in the group stage, looked stronger, more determined and more resilient in each match.
The mental element, as we know, is crucial in this very physical game. After that, England were better in the first half. He defended well, made almost no mistakes and took full advantage of the Springboks’ performances. The first three points came after just three minutes. A successful penalty kick executed with usual efficiency by Owen Farrell.
Moreover, until the end of the first half there were only points resulting from penalties. Farrell repeated the dose ten minutes later, and South Africa reduced the score to 21, through Manny Leboc, but practically in response Farrell scored again, to make the score 9-3.
The tension was noticeable. The two teams defended fiercely and fought fiercely on every inch of the field. Violent clashes and some quarrels occurred. Amidst all this, more sanctions emerged.
With precise kicks from Handre Pollard for South Africa and Farrell – who else? – For the English, the break came with a score of 12-6 on the scoreboard.
England played a lot with their feet and the strategy seemed to be working. Especially since Owen Farrell attacked again, this time with a very well executed counter kick that increased the lead to 15-6. Only it is a record for the British.
South Africa had to reinvent itself. He started making substitutions again, which didn’t really surprise him, as he removed some of the best players. The team believed and obtained:
In the 69th minute, the transformation began, in one of those angry waves in the attack. Giant Snyman broke through the defense and scored the only try of the night. The article was later transformed by Pollard. The distance has been reduced to two points.
South Africa now knew they only needed a penalty to take the lead for the first time. I had ten minutes to make it happen; It took seven.
Pollard, with a Farrell-like precise right foot and nerves of steel, fired over the goalposts from almost the halfway line. A kick from about 50 meters made it to the final. The final three minutes were a showcase of South Africa’s defensive prowess as they avoided fouling a desperate England who did everything they could to try to score again – but failed.
A big award for the South African team, which lost half the match but recovered at the right time. It was tough for England who seemed to have found the right formula to beat the world champions, but they faltered in the end.
The final match on the 28th with New Zealand is expected to be an exciting one.
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