OWEN Farrell predicted great things for England despite their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to the holders, and world number ones, South Africa in Paris last night.
Leicester fly-half Handre Pollard put the Springboks through to Saturday’s final against New Zealand with a 78th minute penalty that spelled the end for Steve Borthwick’s men as they lost 16-15.
England put in their best display under head coach Borthwick as they went toe-to-toe with the South Africans and were leading 15-6 with 11 minutes to go.
But a try from replacement lock RG Snyman and Pollard’s nerveless finish condemned England to a third place play-off against Argentina on Friday.
And Farrell tipped his hat to Pollard who was thrown on by a panic-stricken South African coaching group for Manie Libbok after just 31 minutes.
This story is from the October 22, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the October 22, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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