Thakasani Khumalo

Springboks defeated England 32-12 to win their third Rugby World Cup title in a Rugby World Cup final match in Yakohama International Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa produced a magnificent performance against England as they were deemed underdogs. The first-half was not convincing from both sides as neither of them scored a try but South Africa’s resistance in the first-half saw them earn regular penalties and four kicks from Handre Pollard placing them 12-6 at the interval, with Owen Farrell slotting two for England.

In the second half England looked more dangerous than the Springboks, but it was the Springboks that scored a first try of the match through Makazole Mapimpi in the 66th minute with his converted try putting Springboks in a comfortable position 25-12.

In the later stages of the game England were desperate for the try, but it wasn’t for them as they were caught off position and Cheslin Kolbe’scheeky play earned South Africa a second try of the game and putting the game to bed as Springboks were in front 32-12.

South Africa’s world cup triumph sees them draw level with New Zealand on three world cup titles having previously won the tournament in 1995 and 2007.