2019 Rugby World Cup.

[Swami]

Japan 28-21 Scotland: Gregor Townsend's side out of Rugby World Cup

By Tom English

Japan's win was their first in eight Tests against Scotland
2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A: Japan v Scotland
Japan: (21) 28
Tries: Matsushima, Inagaki, Fukuoka (2) Con: Tamura (4)
Scotland: (7) 21
Tries: Russell, Nel, Fagerson Con: Laidlaw (2), Russell
Scotland crashed out of the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage for only the second time after being beaten by an irrepressible Japan in Yokohama.

Gregor Townsend's side needed four more points than their hosts but, despite leading through Finn Russell's try and mounting a comeback, they fell short.

Kotaro Matsushima, Keita Inagaki and Kenki Fukuoka all crossed before half-time before the latter blasted over again to secure Japan's first ever quarter-final - against South Africa in Tokyo on Sunday.


Scotland, forced to go for broke in a febrile contest that had been in doubt until around 03:00 BST because of the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, scored through WP Nel and Zander Fagerson after the break.

But that second-half rally was not enough to prevent a first defeat at the hands of Japan in eight Tests.

The result also means Ireland finish runners-up in Pool A and will face New Zealand in the last eight in Tokyo on Saturday.

• Reaction & as it happened
• World Cup tables

'Japan were relentless and magnificent'
After an horrendous Saturday that brought death and destruction, it was a minor miracle that the game went ahead in the first place, a roaring tribute to the people responsible for clean-up after Hagibis battered this area 24 hours earlier.

There was a moment's silence for the stricken in a stadium that heaved with emotion and power. The home national anthem was haunting and ominous, a moment of foreboding for the Scots. The visitors, needing a winning margin of eight, had hoped that the sense of occasion might get to the hosts, that the pressure would grind them down as they pushed for a quarter-final against the Springboks next weekend.

So much for that tin-pot theory. In their minutes of total dominance, before the Scots came roaring back, Japan were a blizzard of invention and pace. Their accuracy while going like the clappers was astounding. Any mistakes Scotland made were eaten whole. It was relentless. Absolutely relentless. And magnificent.

What a game this was. What an occasion. The Scots had a great start, which was played at bewildering pace. Russell's cross-kick and Magnus Bradbury's follow-up created the opportunity and Russell, having started it, then finished it with a hand-off of Yutaka Nagare to score. It was probably the only less-than-perfect moment that scrum-half Nagare delivered all night.

Japan took over at that point. They lorded it over possession, whipped left and right and down the middle. Jamie Ritchie, playing utterly heroically, kept them out on 10 minutes with a terrific turnover near his own line, but that respite was short. Nobody can hold back the waves forever.

Before the end of the first quarter, Japan got their reward when attacking up the left through the wonderful Fukuoka, who eluded Chris Harris and drew in Stuart Hogg before chucking a one-hand offload to Matsushima to gallop away to the posts. Yu Tamura converted and the home crowd erupted.

More Japan heat and more Japan brilliance. Their second try was an epic, a thing of rugby wonder. Matsushima burst through Grant Gilchrist and Blade Thomson and away he went. What happened next was wondrous. Five sets of hands offloaded at speed as if they were on a training run. Nagare, Tamura and Shota Horie worked it to James Moore. The lock flicked it on to William Tupou, who spun and got it to Inagaki for the last act. Sheer genius, pure and simple.

The conversion made it 14-7, then just before the break came the try that looked like sending Scotland heading home. Timothy Lafaele grubbered in behind and Fukuoka seized on it to get Japan's third try. Two more points from Tamura made it 21-7 at half-time. Scotland were on the floor.

'Huge moment for incredible country'
Three minutes into the new half, Japan scored again. Fukuoka ripped it from Harris and, when the ball went spinning in the air after contact, the wing caught it and sprinted off to score. Tamura made it 28-7. A rout.

Or so it seemed. Scotland needed the kind of miracle they produced at Twickenham in March. When Nel grunted his way over the line to narrow the gap. Laidlaw's conversion made it a 14-point game. Scotland were still a mile off their target. The bench got busy. Six of them came on at once - and Scotland scored again.

Hogg began it, there was a lovely one-two between the immense Jonny Gray and Scott Cummings, Gray running on and feeding Fagerson, who thumped his way through Horie to get the ball down. Russell banged over the extras this time. Seven points in it now. Still a mountain to climb, but this was pulsating stuff.

Japan were denied after another turnover by the towering Ritchie, then they asked their own questions again. There were Scottish waves now. Chasing two converted tries and a penalty or drop goal they had to take risks, had to force the issue, had to make sure that every pass stuck, every attack counted.

They owned the ball in the closing minutes, but Japan's defence was unbreakable. Their crowd roared and roared and roared again. Scotland were not going to get the points they needed now. There was no time. For them the battle was all about getting another try and a conversion and a draw. They bust a gut but Japan would not let them through.

When they turned over that last Scottish raid the acclaim of the home support was deafening. A huge moment for this incredible country, a huge moment for this World Cup. Scotland are heading home. Japan? Who knows how far they're heading. Further than they've ever gone before, that's for sure.

Match stats

• Japan are just the fourth non-Tier 1 side to reach the quarter-finals and the first since Fiji in 2007
• Scotland have failed to make it out of the pool stages for just the second time, after also doing so in 2011
• Japan have won six consecutive Rugby World Cup matches, only Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England have enjoyed longer winning runs
• Samoa (1995, 1991) are the only other non-Tier 1 side to beat two Tier 1 sides in the same World Cup, as Japan have in 2019
• Kotaro Matsushima has scored five tries at this year's tournament
• Luke Thompson made a record 13th World Cup appearance for Japan and became the third oldest player from any nation to feature

Teams
Japan: Tupou; Matsushima; Lafaele, Nakamura; Fukuoka; Tamura; Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Koo; Thompson, Moore; Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno.

Replacements: Sakate, Nakajima, Ai Valu, Helu, Tui, Tanaka, Matsuda, Yamanaka

Scotland: Hogg; Seymour, Harris, Johnson, Graham, Russell, Laidlaw; Dell, Brown, Nel, Gilchrist, Gray, Bradbury, Ritchie, Thomson.

Replacements: McInally, Reid, Fagerson, Cummings, Wilson, G Horne, P Horne, Kinghorn.

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I was able to catch the Japan/Scotland and Tonga/USA game today(Sunday). I'm somewhat new to the sport but I did like it.

 

[Swami]

I was able to catch the Japan/Scotland and Tonga/USA game today(Sunday). I'm somewhat new to the sport but I did like it.

Awful for Scotland not to get the quarter-finals, but Japan's incredible progress continues.

Swami

 

[Swami]

England beat Australia 40-16 to make Rugby World Cup semi-finals

Jonny May scored two tries within three minutes on the day he won his 50th cap
2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final
England: (17) 40
Tries: May 2, Sinckler, Watson Pens: Farrell 4 Cons: Farrell 4
Australia: (9) 16
Tries: Koroibete Pens: Lealiifano 3 Cons: Lealiifano
England are into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years as they ruthlessly dispatched old rivals Australia.

Two first-half tries in three minutes from Jonny May on his 50th cap helped establish a 17-9 half-time lead before a sensational score from Marika Koroibete brought the Wallabies to within a point.

But prop Kyle Sinckler smashed through from Owen Farrell's flat pass as England regained control, the fly-half landing 20 points with his boot to crush Australian hopes before Anthony Watson applied the coup de grace with a late interception try.


It was England's best performance of a World Cup when they have seldom been tested, the decision of coach Eddie Jones to start Farrell in place of George Ford vindicated by a seventh successive win over his home country.

Four years ago England were sent packing at the group stage from the tournament they were hosting by Michael Cheika's side.

But with the young back-row combination of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill outstanding, this was sweet revenge, a last-four meeting with New Zealand in a week's time the rich reward.

• We haven't played at our best yet - England coach Jones
• Cheika to wait before deciding whether he will quit
• Reaction to England v Australia
• All Blacks overwhelm Ireland in last eight

May day for Australia as clinical England cut loose
Australia came out fast and battered away at the England defence, the men in white forced into 30 tackles in the first three minutes, Christian Lealiifano's penalty reflecting the early balance of power.

But after England had twice wasted overlaps in the opposition 22, they struck twice in quick succession to stun the Wallabies.

First Farrell went left after Watson had made inroads down the right, and with the defence stretched Curry committed the last man before putting May into the corner.

Farrell curled the conversion over from the touchline and with English celebrations still ringing round the stadium Australia handed over another priceless gift.

David Pocock threw a needless loose pass in midfield, Henry Slade gathered, charged into space and kicked cleverly ahead and May gathered the bouncing ball to dive into the same little patch beyond the try-line.

Lealiifano brought it back to 14-6 with his second penalty after Slade strayed offside but Farrell popped over one of his own to re-establish the 11-point lead on the half-hour.

And there was palpable relief among the gold-shirted support when a scrum penalty after a typically bullocking run from Samu Kerevi allowed Lealiifano to make it 17-9 at the interval.

Sinckler try sinks Australia's hopes

Sinckler's try gave was a bitter blow to Australia's hopes
Australia had been nine points down to Fiji and 15 to Wales in the group stage before charging back, and within moments of the restart they had closed the gap to a single point.

Winger Reece Hodge spotted space beyond Slade and threw a long pass to 19-year-old Jordan Petaia, and Koroibete came accelerating up on his inside before leaving Elliot Daly for dead on the outside.

It was a stunning try but England struck back immediately in similar style.

After a poor kick from the struggling Will Genia, England battered to within 25 metres before Farrell's sweet flat pass found Sinckler hammering through like a runaway dumper-truck for his first international try.

Farrell made it 27-16 after Australia's scrum splintered and then the defence held firm on their own line despite repeated Wallaby charges.

Farrell twisted the knife again with two more penalties, England taking control at the scrum, the power of their ball-carriers repeatedly punching dents in the Australian rearguard.

With Australia 17 points down and time running out, Watson picked off Beale's desperate long pass in search of Hooper, and England could celebrate a first win in knockout rugby since 2007.

Man of the match: Tom Curry

The 21-year-old was up against the best flankers in international rugby across the last two World Cups in David Pocock and Michael Hooper. Curry was outstanding throughout, making 16 tackles and with partner-in-crime Sam Underhill dominated their storied opposite numbers.
'We haven't been at our best yet' - reaction
England head coach Eddie Jones: "They came back at us in the second half and we had to find ourselves. It was one of those 'bring it on moments'. We had to decide whether we were going to stick at it or go individual and I thought it was brilliant.

"We are so excited about the semi-final. We haven't been at our best yet and that is the challenge to see how we can get to our best."

England captain Owen Farrell: "Australia made that a brilliant game. They attacked throughout but our boys did well in defence and managed to get some field position off the back of it. We know when we have field position we can be pretty dangerous.

"We did what was needed. We had the lead and Australia were throwing everything at us again. We wanted to play the game at our pace and we did that in the second half."

England scrum-half Ben Youngs: "We stuck in there, the key point was midway in the second half on our line when we pushed them back, pushed them back.

"We were probably cruising in second gear in those first few games, but we went through the gears today."

Match stats

Flanker Sam Underhill made a staggering 20 tackles

• England's 24-point margin of victory was their biggest in a World Cup knockout game and Australia's heaviest defeat in the knockouts.
• This was England's joint biggest victory against Australia in Test history (matching the 30-6 win in November 2017); in fact, England's three biggest wins against the Wallabies have come under Eddie Jones.
• Australia have lost just three of their nine Rugby World Cup quarter-final matches, each of those three defeats has come against England (also 1995, 2007).
• Jonny May became the first player to score a brace of tries in a World Cup match for England since Will Carling and Rory Underwood both crossed twice against New Zealand in the 1995 semi-final.
• Sam Underhill (20), Mako Vunipola (18), Jamie George (17), and Owen Farrell (17) all surpassed the previous highest tackle tally in a World Cup match by an England player (five players previously made 16).
• Kyle Sinckler became just the sixth prop to score a try in a World Cup knockout game and the first since Tony Woodcock in the 2011 final.

Maro Itoje takes a selfie with England supporters
Teams
England: Daly; Watson, Slade, Tuilagi, May; Farrell (capt), Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Lawes; Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Marler, Cole, Kruis, Ludlam, Heinz, Ford, Joseph.

Australia: Beale; Hodge, Petaia, Kerevi, Koroibete; Lealiifano, Genia; Alaalatoa, Latu, Sio; Arnold, Rodda; Naisarani, Hooper (capt), Pocock.

Replacements: Uelese, Slipper, Tupou, Coleman, Salakaia-Loto, White, Toomua, O'Connor.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Rugby World Cup: New Zealand overpower Ireland to reach semi-finals

The All Blacks took a stranglehold on the game with two tries by scrum-half Aaron Smith
Rugby World Cup quarter-final: Ireland v New Zealand
New Zealand: (22) 46
Tries: A Smith 2, B Barrett, Taylor, Todd, Bridge, J Barrett Cons: Mo'unga 4 Pen: Mo'unga
Ireland: (0) 14
Try: Henshaw, penalty try Con: Carbery
New Zealand will meet England in the World Cup semi-finals after condemning Ireland to a seventh quarter-final exit with a 46-14 hammering in Tokyo.

Two tries from Aaron Smith and one by Beauden Barrett helped the All Blacks to a 22-0 lead at half-time.

The holders scored further tries by Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, George Bridge and Jordie Barrett.


Robbie Henshaw's score and a penalty try did nothing to recover what was a disastrous display for Ireland.

Billed as the defining final chapter in Joe Schmidt's tenure as head coach, Ireland's World Cup in Japan will go down as another failure with no indication that the team are any closer to the world's elite than they were when they exited at the same stage four years ago.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks will move into the semi-finals as even stronger favourites to lift a third successive Webb Ellis Cup than they were at the start of the tournament having produced a display that few, if any, sides would be capable of delivering.

Ireland fell to their heaviest defeat in a World Cup
All Blacks rise as Irish crumble
The narrative from the Ireland camp remained consistent throughout the week-long build-up: they had to produce an almost flawless display if they were to even run New Zealand close.

However, not for a single minute of Saturday's contest did it look as though Ireland possessed the tools capable of derailing the champions.

Indeed, it was New Zealand who produced what was infinitely closer to perfect rugby, taking their game to a level that Ireland could not contend with.

After Richie Mo'unga had kicked his side ahead, Smith navigated the All Blacks deep into Ireland territory before darting through a gap to score.

Although still in the first quarter, the signs were looking ominous for Ireland, with New Zealand winning the battle at the breakdown and punching holes in the defence as they stretched their play left, right and back again through the scintillating back three of Barrett, Sevu Reece and Bridge.

Ireland skipper Rory Best made an emotional exit in his last match
Ireland needed a spark and had the opportunity to push New Zealand onto their try-line with a kick to the corner, but Johnny Sexton missed his touch and two minutes later the ball was back at the opposite end of the pitch, with Smith diving over again from close range.

The third try, which killed off any faint Irish hopes of a revival, came from an Ireland move inside the New Zealand half, with Reece's hit on Sexton dislodging the ball, allowing Barrett to kick through and gather beyond the line.

Ireland's grim reality
After spending much of 2019 clinging onto the form of last year as an indicator of their potential, Ireland's defeat by New Zealand in Tokyo presents a far clearer picture of their place on the world stage than their win over the All Blacks 10 months ago did.

The manner of the loss leaves little room for an argument that Ireland can be considered among the top sides in the world.

By the time Taylor dived over on 48 minutes after his side had worked the ball through the phases, it was clear that New Zealand were operating on a level that Ireland were not capable of reaching.

For all of Ireland's shortcomings, the All Blacks were relentlessly wonderful.

Their fifth try arrived after the forwards set-up field position for Mo'unga to kick crossfield for Reece to gather and present for Todd to score.

Ireland did score eventually, as Henshaw cut back against the grain to put his side on the board 10 minutes from time.

Bridge and Jordie Barrett, having been introduced from the bench, benefited from more superb New Zealand ball movement to add further scores either sides of Ireland's penalty try.

The teams
New Zealand: B Barrett; Reece, Goodhue, Lienert-Brown, Bridge; Mo'unga, Smith; Moody, Taylor, Laulala, Retallick, Whitelock; Savea, Cane, Reid.

Replacements: Coles, Tuungafasi, Ta'avao, S Barrett, Todd, Perenara, Williams, J Barrett.

Ireland: Kearney; Earls, Ringrose, Henshaw, Stockdale; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Best, Furlong, Henderson, James Ryan, O'Mahony; Van der Flier, Stander.

Replacements: Scannell, Kilcoyne, Porter, Beirne, Ruddock, McGrath, Carbery, Larmour.

Swami

 

[Swami]

Wales beat France 20-19 to reach Rugby World Cup semi-finals in thriller

Ross Moriarty's try was given after a TMO check
2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final
Wales (10) 20
Tries: Wainwright, Moriarty Cons: Biggar 2 Pens: Biggar 2
France (19) 19
Tries: Vahaamahina, Ollivon, Vakatawa Cons: Ntamack 2
A dramatic late Ross Moriarty try booked Wales a World Cup semi-final place at the expense of 14-man France as Warren Gatland's side came from behind to win 20-19 in Oita.

France lock Sebastien Vahaamahina was sent off after 48 minutes for a blatant elbow on Wales flanker Aaron Wainwright in a decisive moment.

France were leading 19-10 at the time and Wales scored 10 unanswered points.


Warren Gatland's side play South Africa next Sunday in Yokohama.

Wales overcame the loss of centre Jonathan Davies just before kick-off to reach a third World Cup semi-final to follow their exploits of 1987 and 2011.

• South Africa end Japan's World Cup run
• Davies could be fit for World Cup semi-final
• Elbow 'wasn't that nice' - Wainwright
• Vahaamahina red card 'clear' - France coach Brunel

Vahaamahina, Charles Ollivon, and the brilliant Virimi Vakatawa scored France tries in a relentless first-half display, while Wales responded through Wainwright and Moriarty tries and 10 points from Dan Biggar's boot.

France won the only other previous World Cup meeting between the two nations in the 2011 semi-final when then Wales skipper Sam Warburton was red-carded.

This time it was a French sending off that proved pivotal.

Wales will be relieved after producing a disappointing performance but again resilience and character took them to victory in a game where they trailed from the fifth minute until the 74th.

Moriarty shrugged off a first-half yellow card to score the decisive try with the ball adjudged not to have gone forward in the build-up from a rip by replacement scrum-half Tomos Williams.

Wales fans woke up to the news they did not want to hear but feared when key centre Davies was ruled out just before kick-off with the knee injury he suffered against Fiji.

Davies initially had been cleared to play and was selected in the team before being pulled out 75 minutes before kick-off.

The Scarlets centre aggravated the injury in Wales' final training session on Saturday and was officially ruled out on Sunday morning.

Owen Watkin was Davies' replacement for the biggest game of his career with full-back Leigh Halfpenny coming in on the bench.

France had defeated Argentina, Tonga and USA but not played for two weeks after their Pool C decider had been called off because of Typhoon Hagibis, but they made a blistering start in Oita.

France missed two key kicks in the contest, a penalty and a conversion attempt
Wales' slow start
So it was a battle-hardened Wales against a rested France. Who would prevail?

France provided a glimpse of what they offered with Wales grateful for crucial defensive interventions from George North and Justin Tipuric before Les Bleus powered through the gears.

France benefitted from a loose clearing kick from scrum-half Gareth Davies as Wales gifted their opposition possession and Vahaamahina powered over in the fifth minute, though Romain Ntamack hit the post with the conversion, one of two key missed kicks from France.

Les Bleus responded with a brilliant second try two minutes later. Vakatawa exposed the Wales midfield defence by stepping past Josh Navidi and linking up with Ntamack and Dupont before flanker Ollivon cantered away to score as they built up a 12-0 lead inside eight minutes.

Wales had trailed Fiji by 10 points early on in their last game in Oita and again appeared rattled following a slow start as they seemed set to duplicate the Six Nations clash where France led by 16 points at half-time.

However, the Grand Slam winners responded from nowhere when a heavy tackle from Jake Ball on France captain Guilhem Guirado resulted in a dropped ball which Wainwright latched onto and sprinted away to score.

Biggar converted and added a penalty to reduce the deficit to two points to complete a frantic opening quarter.

Wales suffered another injury blow when Navidi was forced off by a hamstring problem. He was replaced by Moriarty whose first contribution was to be sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on centre Gael Fickou.

France immediately took advantage of their numerical superiority when Vakatawa powered over after patient build-up with Ntamack converting.

A rejuvenated and rampant France continued to attack as they capitalised on Wales' kicking tactic of keeping the ball on the field.

Wales were thankful to crucial defensive interventions from wings North and Josh Adams while Ntamack hit the post for the second time with a penalty.

Gatland's side would have been content with a 19-10 interval deficit in a half where they missed 18 tackles, which would have infuriated defence coach Shaun Edwards.

The red card was the first in a World Cup knockout match since Sam Warburton's dismissal in the 2011 World Cup semi final
Red mist changes contest... again
France made a half-time change with injured fly-half Ntamack replaced by Camille Lopez.

Wales continued to make mistakes with Liam Williams guiding the ball into touch to set up a France attacking line-out.

But in the following passage of play Vahaamahina had an inexplicable red-mist moment when he was sent off for elbowing Wainwright in the head after already having his arm around his neck.

It was a game-changing moment and instantly led to comparisons to the 2011 semi-final when Warburton's red card tipped the scales in France's favour.

Wales piled on the pressure with Biggar reducing the deficit to within a score before 14-man France rallied again.

Vakatawa was causing havoc and Wales were grateful Penaud dropped the ball with the line at his mercy.

Wales then failed with an attacking overlap when Yoann Huget intercepted an attempted try-scoring pass before the decisive moment at a French scrum a few metres in front of their own line.

Tomos Williams ripped the ball away and flanker Justin Tipuric latched onto it before Moriarty dived over.

Referee Jaco Peyper checked with television match official Marius Jonker to see whether the ball had gone forward from Williams and to confirm that Moriarty's grounding was legal; the try was awarded.

Moriarty's score was converted by Biggar as Wales led for the first time with just six minutes remaining and they held on for a famous victory.

Man of the match: Aaron Wainwright

France centre Virimi Vakatawa was brilliant but Wales flanker Aaron Wainwright demonstrated he is now an established international performer with an inspirational try-scoring display.
'It was similar to 2011' - reaction
Wales coach Warren Gatland: "The message at half-time was just that we had to score next and we were able to do that.

"The red card was obviously pretty significant, but the thing I am proud about is the guys didn't give in, they just kept waiting for an opportunity that they knew would come.

"It was similar to 2011 when we had the red card and lost by a point. It wasn't the prettiest game in the world, but we showed great character.

"We will take it even though it was a little bit ugly, the important thing is going through, for us we look to get ourselves right now for the next two weeks."

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones: "We were slow out of the blocks, we started similar to against Fiji but the character we showed to come through, we kept plugging away and it came right on the scoreboard. We wanted to take the advantage with territory and take the opportunities.

"We have plenty to work on, but we are very pleased with the result. We saw a lot of red from the Japanese fans, but the way the Welsh support have come over here is awesome."

Former Wales international Tom Shanklin: "I'm emotionally spent! What a game that was from start to finish. I'm looking at the players here, some hugging and jumping, some totally spent, exhausted.

"It's taken a toll on them this World Cup, the big games they've had against Australia and Fiji.

"The turning point was the red card, but I expected a little bit more from Wales if I'm honest. I don't think we saw the best of them in attack. They were certainly shell-shocked in that first half.

"The character those boys showed to come back when it really mattered - that scrum which just blew France away and allowed Tomos Williams to get on the ball and the way they saw the game out... they're through to a semi-final and what more could you ask."

Ken Owens made 19 tackles against France, the second most by a hooker in a Rugby World Cup match after Uruguay's German Kessler made 20 against Wales in this year's pool stages
Match stats

• Wales completed their biggest comeback to win a World Cup match. They came back from 12 points down, beating their previous largest total of 10 points.
• This match marked the fifth time Wales were involved in a World Cup match decided by a single point. No other team has been involved in as many.
• This was the second Rugby World Cup meeting between France and Wales, with each side picking up one win with both matches being won by a single point.
• Both World Cup matches between France and Wales have featured a red card.
• Wales have equalled their record for most victories in a single World Cup (five in 1987).
• Sebastien Vahaamahina scored his first Test try in his 46th appearance and became the first France player to be sent off in a World Cup match.
• Since their defeat against France at the 2011 World Cup, Wales have won eight of their nine subsequent matches against France, only the All Blacks have beaten France more often in this timeframe (10 times).
• Alun Wyn Jones played a record 19th World Cup match for Wales, surpassing Gethin Jenkins' tally of 18.
• Ross Moriarty crossed for a crucial try after being sin-binned, just the third Wales player to score and be yellow-carded in a Rugby World Cup match after both Colin Charvis and Sonny Parker did that in the same game against Canada in 2003.

Teams
Wales: L Williams; North, Watkin, Parkes, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Wyn Jones, Owens, Francis, Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Wainwright, Navidi, Tipuric.

Replacements: E Dee, Carre, D Lewis, Beard, Moriarty, T Williams, Patchell, Halfpenny.

France: Medard; Penaud, Vakatawa, Fickou, Huget; Ntamack, Dupont; Poirot, Guirado (capt), Slimani, Le Roux, Vahaamahina, Lauret, Ollivon, Alldritt.

Replacements: Chat, Baille, Setiano, Gabrillagues, Picamoles, Serin, Lopez, Rattez.

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Swami

 

[Swami]

South Africa 26-3 Japan: Springboks through to Rugby World Cup semi-finals

Faf de Klerk's try gave South Africa a crucial advantage in the second half
Rugby World Cup quarter-final
Japan: (3) 3
Pens: Tamura
South Africa: (5) 26
Tries: Mapimpi 2, De Klerk Pens: Pollard 3 Cons: Pollard
South Africa ended Japan's dream World Cup run to reach the semi-finals after a bruising 26-3 win against the hosts.

The Springboks led after a powerful run gave Makazole Mapimpi a try, but went a player down when Tendai Mtawarira was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle.

Japan could only take a Yu Tamura penalty from the man advantage, making the score 5-3 at half-time in Tokyo.


Second-half tries from Faf de Klerk and Mapimpi plus Handre Pollard's 11 points put the Springboks out of reach.

The tries put paid to any hopes of a repeat of Japan's 2015 World Cup win against the same opponents and brought to an end a fairytale four weeks for the hosts.

The Springboks will now play Wales in the semi-final on Sunday, 27 October, with the winner facing England or New Zealand in the final.

• Japan v South Africa reaction & analysis
• Wales win thriller to reach semi-finals

History made in Tokyo
It was an historic day for Japanese rugby and the fans knew it, posing for photos with South African supporters as proof that they were there.

Television audiences and media interest has gradually increased after an impressive group-stage performance which included superb wins against Ireland and Scotland.

As the hosts qualified for a first World Cup quarter-final, Japanese rugby captured the hearts of the nation and of many fans across the world.

The Brave Blossoms started as optimistically as they had played in the pool stages, with fly-half Yu Tamura kicking cross-field to wing Kotaro Matsushima, but it was two-time winners South Africa who scored first.

The Springboks overpowered Japan in a scrum and De Klerk's pass to Mapimpi found the left wing with plenty of room to run through Tamura and dive over in the corner.

It would take more than that to quieten the Japanese fans, though. Chants of "Japan" were only interrupted when captain Michael Leitch had the ball, at which point prolonged cries of "Leitch" rang out instead.

There was a yellow card for prop Mtawarira for a tip tackle on opposite number Keita Inagaki in the 11th minute.

No tries came of the numerical advantage, but Japan won a scrum penalty just to the left of the posts and the crowd exploded into cheers. Tamura duly landed the kick and cut South Africa's lead to two.

Brave Blossoms overpowered

South Africa's pack gave them control of the match
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus had stacked his side with strength up front, naming six forwards on the bench.

And when Japan's now trademark fast hands were met with brute force by South Africa, it left the Brave Blossoms looking far less slick in attack than they had in the group stage.

A searing run up the left wing for Kenki Fukuoka brought Japan up to the five-metre line, but the attack came to an end when the hosts conceded a penalty at the breakdown.

Indiscipline was the undoing of South Africa's attack in the first half - the Springboks conceded six penalties to Japan's two in the first 40 minutes.

A disappointing 40 minutes was capped off by a disallowed try for Damian de Allende. The centre clawed his way through four tackles to make it across the try-line but his effort did not count because of a double movement.

However, South Africa were quickly on the scoreboard in the second half thanks to Pollard's first penalty and looked to have extended their lead further when Pieter-Steph du Toit cantered across the whitewash. But that one did not count either because of a forward pass.

Pollard soon added another three points after a scrum penalty and the task facing Japan suddenly looked very daunting at 11-3.

Living up to their name, the Brave Blossoms refused to give in and continued to try and run the ball out from their own 22 at every opportunity.

But a high tackle on De Klerk resulted in a third successful Pollard penalty in front of the posts.

And it was De Klerk who dealt the killer blow. The Sale scrum-half sprung through the hole created in the Japanese defence by a Springbok maul to score and Pollard landed the conversion.

South Africa's attack was repeatedly frustrated by their own indiscipline in the first 40 minutes, but they were well and truly in their stride by the end of the match.

Mapimpi took advantage of an overlap and thundered down the left wing. Japan's Kotaro Matsushima gave chase but was too late to stop the South African scoring his second of the match.

Chants of "Japan" continued right up until the final whistle, when the players fell to their knees and the crowd got to their feet to show their appreciation for what their team had done.

The Japan players formed a circle on the field, tears running down many cheeks, as the Springboks thanked the fans. Hearts were broken in Tokyo, but Japanese fans found their voice to give their team one last roar before they left the pitch.

Japan's players posed for pictures with their families after the match
Teams
Japan: Yamanaka; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Fukuoka; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Koo, Thompson, Moore, Leitch (c), Labuschagne, Himeno.

Replacements:Sakate, Nakajima, Ai Valu, Van der Walt, Lelei Mafi, Tanaka, Matsuda, Lava Lemeki.

South Africa: Le Roux: Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk, Mtawarira, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, De Jager, Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Vermeulen

Replacements: Marx, Kitschoff, Koch, Snyman, Mostert, Louw, H Jantjies, Steyn

Swami

 

[Barbara Fan]

Im not a huge Ruugby fan to be honest (too many men on the pitch ffor me and find scrums boring) but part of me wanted japan to win as they played so well against Scotland and its not all about brute force.

I have a feeeling that NZ will win again but hope im wrong - with no disrespect to NZ

 

[Swami]

Im not a huge Ruugby fan to be honest (too many men on the pitch ffor me and find scrums boring) but part of me wanted japan to win as they played so well against Scotland and its not all about brute force.

I have a feeeling that NZ will win again but hope im wrong - with no disrespect to NZ

Hard to see beyond New Zealand winning for the third time in a row, although South Africa - if they beat Wales - could spring a surprise.

Swami

 

[Swami]

England 19-7 New Zealand: Eddie Jones' side beat All Blacks to reach World Cup final

Manu Tuilagi's try was the quickest New Zealand have conceded in World Cup history
2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final
England: (10) 19
Try: Tuilagi Con: Farrell Pen: Ford 4
New Zealand: (0) 7
Try: Savea Con: Mo'unga
England are into their first Rugby World Cup final in 12 years after a brilliant demolition of three-time world champions New Zealand.

England had stormed into a 10-0 lead, Manu Tuilagi's second-minute try and a long-range penalty from George Ford fitting reward for a blistering first half.

It could have been more had tries for Sam Underhill and Ben Youngs not been ruled out by referee Nigel Owens, and when Ardie Savea pounced on a wayward line-out throw the three-time world champions were on the charge.


Yet the superb Ford landed a trio of nerveless penalties and with the young dynamos Tom Curry and Sam Underhill outstanding England held on in style to pull off one of their greatest victories.

The All Blacks had not lost a World Cup game in 12 years and had won 15 of the last 16 games between the two nations.

But England tore the crown from their head with a performance of unremitting energy and excellence on a night for the ages in Yokohama.

• Reaction after England beat All Blacks

More to follow.

England: Daly; Watson, Tuilagi, Farrell (capt), May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Lawes, Curry, Underhill, B Vunipola.

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Marler, Cole, Kruis, Wilson, Heinz, Slade, Joseph.

New Zealand: B Barrett; Reece, Goodhue, Lienert-Brown, Bridge; Mo'unga, Smith; Moody, Taylor, Laulala, Retallick, Whitelock, Barrett, Savea, Read (capt).

Replacements: Coles, Tuungafasi, Ta'avao, Tuipulotu, Cane, Perenara, Williams, J Barrett.

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales); Assistants: Romain Poite (France), Pascal Gauzere (France); TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Swami

 

[Swami]

Rugby World Cup semi-final: Wales 16-19 South Africa

De Allende's try was his sixth in 46 Test appearances
2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final
Wales (6) 16
Try: Adams Con: Halfpenny Pens: Biggar (3)
South Africa (9) 19
Try: De Allende Con: Pollard Pens: Pollard (4)
Wales missed out on a first World Cup final in gut-wrenching fashion as Handre Pollard's 76th-minute penalty snatched victory for South Africa in a gripping semi-final to set up a showdown against England.

The first half was a war of attrition, three Pollard penalties giving the Springboks a 9-6 lead as they sought to overpower Wales up front and kick them into submission.

• Live: Reaction as Wales' Rugby World Cup dream ends

Dan Biggar dragged Wales level with a penalty early in the second half, but then Damien de Allende burst through the Welsh defensive line to put South Africa 16-9 ahead.


Wales sensed they had to go for broke and, after boldly opting for a scrum rather than a penalty in front of the posts against their hulking opponents, they worked the ball wide for Josh Adams to dive over for a converted try that made it 16-16.

That set up a captivating final 10 minutes in which Wales drove forward in desperate search of the score that would keep alive their hopes of ending Warren Gatland's reign with the ultimate prize in rugby.

Adams' try had drawn Wales level
But they were denied as Pollard struck a fourth and match-winning penalty in the 76th minute.

While South Africa can look forward to a final against England here in Yokohama next Saturday, Gatland's final game as Wales head coach will be the third-place play-off against his native New Zealand in Tokyo on Friday.

More World Cup heartache for Wales
Heartache has stalked Wales at recent World Cups - Sam Warburton's red card in an agonising 2011 semi-final loss to France, and then an injury-ravaged side's late defeat by South Africa in 2015's quarter-final.

This was another painful chapter to add to their story - with more than a passing resemblance to that match against the Springboks four years ago - and yet it was so close to being a different story.

Although this side contained four players from the 2011 semi-final and largely the same coaching staff, this was not a Wales team weighed down by history.

In head coach Gatland and captain Alun Wyn Jones, they had leaders who had experienced the pain of those previous defeats but were not consumed by it.

Even as injuries began to mount again in Japan - key players Liam Williams and Josh Navidi before this match, Tomas Francis and George North during it - Gatland and Jones were confident, relishing their tag of underdogs against South Africa, whom they had beaten in their past four meetings.

However, this was a resurgent Springboks side on the prowl for a third World Cup.

The respect was mutual during a cautious start in which both sides kicked constantly, eager not to make the first mistake.

When the errors did come, they were punished by the goal-kicking of Pollard and Biggar respectively, South Africa nudging themselves narrowly ahead.

This was the kind of tight contest the Springboks wanted, and Wales struggled to impose themselves on a game in which the ball seemed to be eternally airborne or moving slowly at the bottom of a ruck.

Yet despite their struggles to attack with any cohesion, Wales dug in to keep their deficit down to 9-6 at half-time.

More to follow.

Wales: Halfpenny; North, J Davies, Parkes, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Wyn Jones, Owens, Francis, Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Wainwright, Moriarty, Tipuric.

Replacements: Dee, R Carre, D Lewis, Beard, Shingler, T Williams, Patchell, Watkin.

South Africa: Le Roux; Nkosi, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk; Mtawarira, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, De Jager, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Marx, Kitschoff, Koch, Snyman, Mostert, Louw, H Jantjies, Steyn.

Swami

 

[Barbara Fan]

I wish England all the best tomorrow in the final

Good luck xx

 

[Swami]

Rugby World Cup 2019 bronze match: Wales 17-40 New Zealand

Prop Joe Moody showed New Zealand's intent with a try after just five minutes
2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final
Wales (10) 17
Tries: Amos, Adams Cons: Patchell, Biggar Pen: Patchell
New Zealand (28) 40
Tries: Moody, B Barrett, Smith 2, Crotty, Mo'unga Cons: Mo'unga 5
Warren Gatland's 12-year reign in charge of Wales ended with a 40-17 defeat against New Zealand in the World Cup bronze match in Tokyo.

Steve Hansen ensured he left the All Blacks on a winning note as his side clinched third place in Japan with a six-try display.

Wing Ben Smith scored two tries and Joe Moody, Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty and Richie Mo'unga also crossed.


Hallam Amos and Josh Adams scored tries for Wales.

• Welsh rugby must not return to doldrums - Gatland
• Emotional Hansen bows out with win
• Reaction as Wales end their World Cup campaign
• Gatland: 'Scientist, crooner, rugby god'
• Referee Owens ends World Cup career

New Zealand demonstrated a more ruthless edge, with Wales not capitalising on territory and possession superiority.

Defence coach Shaun Edwards will also be unhappy at Wales missing more than 30 tackles.

Wales' defeat ensured a second fourth-place World Cup overall finish to emulate their position in 2011, with their third place in 1987 remaining the finest effort.

Their losing streak against the All Blacks remains at 66 years, with New Zealand celebrating a 31st successive win in this fixture.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen and Wales boss Warren Gatland were both overseeing their last games in charge
Wales and New Zealand would both have preferred to have been involved in the final but those dreams were dashed after semi-final defeats against South Africa and England.

So it was more sentiment than silverware at stake in Tokyo.

Gatland bowed out after 12 years in charge, a period in which Wales have won four Six Nations titles - including three Grand Slams - and reached two World Cup semi-finals.

Hansen stepped up from his assistant role to take over from Graham Henry after the 2011 World Cup success and guided the All Blacks to retain their title four years later.

Injuries bite
Following the five-day turnaround, Wales only had 26 fit players to pick from and made nine changes from the South Africa defeat.

Some were enforced through injuries, with George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Aaron Wainwright, Tomas Francis joining Liam Williams, Josh Navidi and Cory Hill on the sidelines.

Gareth Anscombe, Taulupe Faletau and Ellis Jenkins had already been ruled out before the tournament started.

Full-back Hallam Amos' try was Wales' highlight of a lop-sided first half against New Zealand
Replacement Cardiff Blues wing Owen Lane was handed the 14 shirt, while half-backs Rhys Patchell and Tomos Williams started.

New Zealand made seven personnel alterations and were led by number eight Kieran Read who was making his 127th and last international appearance.

They could still name an experienced and star-studded backline that included Sonny Bill Williams, Crotty, Beauden Barrett and Ben Smith.

Wales did not follow England's lead with any quirky reaction to the New Zealand haka, respecting it from the comfort of their own 10-metre line.

All Blacks on front foot
A frantic opening included a huge hit from Shannon Frizell on Ross Moriarty, a searing Adams break and a penalty turnover from Sam Cane.

Mo'unga hit the posts with a penalty but inspired the opening score with a half-break before releasing Read, who found Brodie Retallick to send prop Moody over for the opening score. Mo'unga converted.

Scrum-half Aaron Smith turned creator as his scissors move with Beauden Barrett allowed the full-back to coast through the Welsh defence under the posts.

Richie Mo'unga scored New Zealand's sixth try and the scrum-half kicked five conversions
Wales almost responded immediately as prop Dillon Lewis was held up over the New Zealand line.

But it was not long until full-back Amos crossed following a patient build-up and a raking Patchell pass.

Patchell also converted before adding a penalty to reduce the deficit to 14-10 as Wales threatened to bounce back.

New Zealand retaliated and showed Wales how to be clinical with two tries for wing Smith just before half-time.

First a strong counter-ruck allowed Smith to power through some weak tackling.

Scrum-half Aaron Smith then released namesake Ben down the right-hand touchline to give New Zealand a 28-10 interval lead.

Wing Josh Adams' score against New Zealand brought his 2019 World Cup tally to seven, beating Shane Williams' single tournament Wales record
Four attacks, four tries, ruthless stuff from the All Blacks as Wales missed 21 tackles in the first half, defensive lapses proving a symptom of their World Cup campaign.

New Zealand continued the onslaught immediately after the break with Sonny Bill Williams releasing centre partner Crotty for the fifth try.

Smith was denied a hat-trick because of a forward pass before Wales again responded with galloping runs from back-rowers Justin Tipuric and Aaron Shingler.

A raft of replacements saw Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones leave the field for probably his last World Cup appearance, while Sonny Bill Williams and Crotty finished their New Zealand careers.

Wales took advantage with top try scorer Adams burrowing over for his seventh score of the tournament, breaking the previous Welsh best of six at a single World Cup set by Shane Williams in 2007.

Mo'unga crossed for New Zealand's sixth try to complete the scoring and cement a comfortable All Blacks win.

Man of the match - Brodie Retallick

New Zealand second row Brodie Retallick missed the start of the tournament through injury but was back to his rampaging best against Wales. Just edges out two-try wing Ben Smith.
Match stats

• New Zealand have won their last 31 matches against Wales, the longest winning run any side has ever held over a tier one nation in Test history, only Argentina (39 v Uruguay & 36 v Chile) have enjoyed longer winning runs against any nation.
• Josh Adams scored his seventh try of this year's Rugby World Cup, the most by a Wales player at a single tournament, surpassing Shane Williams' tally of six in 2007; Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea jointly hold the overall record with eight.
• Adams' seven tries are two more than any other player so far; he would be the first Wales player to finish as top try scorer at a Rugby World Cup. South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi is the next closest on five.
• The 57 points scored in this match is the most in a World Cup third place play-off, surpassing the 53 points scored in 2003 (New Zealand 40-13 France).
• New Zealand and Wales made 17 offloads each in this match, their combined total of 34 offloads was the most in a match at this year's World Cup.
• Ben Smith crossed for two tries in this game but was denied a hat-trick with a disallowed try, meaning this year's World Cup is the first edition of the tournament without an All Blacks hat-trick.
• New Zealand have finished this year's Rugby World Cup with a 100% scrum success rate, winning 39/39 scrums on their own feed.
• Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones won his 143rd Test cap (including the British and Irish Lions), moving past Sergio Parisse to become the outright second most capped player in Test history behind Richie McCaw (148).

What they said
Wales coach Warren Gatland: "It's a bit disappointing. Just before half-time if it was 21-10 it wouldn't have been too bad - for them to score before half-time was disappointing.

"For three or four players it was a game too far, they were a bit tired. We played a lot better with some fresh legs in the second half against a very good attacking All Blacks team.

"I'm very proud of them, they scored a couple of good tries and could have scored a few more.

"To finish fourth in this World Cup, and with a five-day turnaround, I am really proud of the guys and the way they performed in this tournament.

"We will reflect and be honest. The better team won - we have just got to take defeat on the chin."

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen: "It was important we came back and honoured the jersey and the fans and get over the disappointment of last week. It was a tough old game for both sides so I just want to congratulate Wales too.

"All tournament we have had good defence and we have played pretty good footy all the way through, but you have one bad day and you get knocked out. That is what knockout footy is all about."

Wales: Amos; Lane, J Davies, Watkin, Adams; Patchell, T Williams; N Smith, Owens, D Lewis, Beard, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Tipuric, J Davies, Moriarty.

Replacements: Dee, Carre, W Jones, Ball, Shingler, G Davies, Biggar, Parkes.

New Zealand: B Barrett; B Smith, Crotty, SB Williams, Ioane; Mo'unga; A Smith; Moody, Coles, Laulala, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane, Read (capt).

Replacements: Coltman, Moli, Ta'avao, Tuipulotu, Todd, Webber, Lienert-Brown, J Barrett.

Referee: Wayne Barnes; Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Pascal Gaüzère (France); TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa).

Swami

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I have nothing against South Africa but I'm rooting for England on Saturday.

 

[Swami]

I have nothing against South Africa but I'm rooting for England on Saturday.

On the contrary, I want South Africa to win! If England win, we'll never hear the end of it.

Swami

 

[Swami]

England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time

South Africa added to their World Cup wins in 1995 and 2007
2019 Rugby World Cup final
England: (6) 12
Pen: Farrell 4
South Africa: (12) 32
Try: Mapimpi, Kolbe Con: Pollard 2 Pen: Pollard 6
South Africa broke English hearts with a ruthless display of power rugby to seize their third Rugby World Cup in devastating fashion.

Twenty two points from the boot of nerveless fly-half Handre Pollard and second-half tries from wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe ground England into the Yokohama dirt on a horrible night for Eddie Jones's men.

England had trailed 12-6 at the interval after taking a hammering in the scrum and making a series of handling errors.


And despite four penalties from captain Owen Farrell they never looked like closing that gap as the Springboks produced an outstanding display to match those of 1995 in Johannesburg and 2007 in Paris.

Those were iconic moments for a nation besotted with rugby and when Siya Kolisi lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy aloft as the first black man to captain the Springboks they will have the final part of a triptych that will endure forever in the country's collective memory.

• Reaction to World Cup final in Yokohama
• England prop Sinckler taken off with concussion
• Subscribe to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast

South Africa find their width as England stumble
England, so quick out of the blocks in their semi-final win over the All Blacks, were rocked in the opening exchanges as prop Kyle Sinckler was knocked out in an accidental collision and forced to leave the field before touching the ball.

South Africa took that momentum and through a Pollard Garryowen-and-gather went deep into the English 22 before Willie le Roux knocked on as he carved an outside line down the right.

England were rattled, throwing loose passes, Farrell isolated as he tried to mop up one from Billy Vunipola and Pollard banging over the resulting penalty for 3-0.

The huge Springbok pack was making a mess of the English scrum and disrupting their line-out, but when the men in white made their first series of forays they won a breakdown penalty and Farrell levelled things up.

Now it was the Springboks forced into changes, hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi off with concussion and lock Lood de Jager appearing to dislocate a shoulder.

Yet England knocked on at the restart, had their scrum splintered and were behind again as Pollard slotted the penalty from the angle.

Back they came. The forwards hammered away at the South African line after driving a line-out on the 22, Courtney Lawes and replacement Dan Cole both going close until Duane Vermeulen infringed and Farrell kicked the penalty for 6-6.

The vast English support in the stands found their voice but the mistakes kept coming.

Billy Vunipola was penalised for holding on and Pollard landed a beauty from 40m, and then Elliot Daly knocked on from Lukhanyo Am's kick ahead, the scrum was mangled again and Pollard struck again from in front of the posts.

It was a horrible half from Eddie Jones' men, that 12-6 half-time deficit the biggest they had faced in the entire tournament.

Springboks pummel England before cutting loose

Cheslin Kolbe crossed six minutes from time for South Africa's second try
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus threw replacement props Steven Kitshoff and Vincent Koch on just after the break and at their very first scrum they mangled England again.

Pollard drilled over a beauty from just over halfway and at 15-6 England were staring into the abyss.

The South African power was stopping their big runners dead and killing England at the breakdown and Jones rolled the dice, throwing Joe Marler into the front row and Henry Slade in at outside centre as Farrell took Ford's place at fly-half.

It initially appeared to work. England blew the Springbok scrum apart, Farrell lined up the penalty and it was a six-point game.

Now Curry got to work, snaffling a breakdown penalty to give Farrell another shot, this time from 45m out wide, only for the kick to drift just wide of the right-hand post.

What could have been 15-12 was suddenly 18-9 as South Africa set up a maul in midfield and England were caught offside for a penalty that Pollard was never going to miss.

England had 22 minutes to save their World Cup and grabbed a lifeline from Farrell's fourth penalty after Vermeulen held on from the restart.

Luke Cowan-Dickie and Mark Wilson came on for Jamie George and Sam Underhill but with 14 minutes to go the killer blow came.

South Africa went left down the blindside, Mapimpi kicked on and Am gathered before finding the winger on his outside shoulder for the first try the Springboks had scored in three World Cup finals.

Pollard's conversion from in front made it 25-12 and the stands were alive with green-shirted noise.

And when the diminutive Kolbe stepped and accelerated through an exhausted rearguard in the final moments the Springboks could kick-start a Japanese party that will sweep through their homeland.

Man of the match - Handre Pollard (South Africa)

The 25-year-old fly-half was almost flawless in the biggest game of his life, given time and quick ball by his dominant forwards and squeezing the hope and life out of England with every opportunity he was given
'One day you're the best, the next a team knocks you off'
England head coach Eddie Jones speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "We just couldn't get on the front foot. We were dominated in the scrum particularly in the first 50 minutes. When you're in a tight, penalty-driven game, it's difficult to get any sort of advantage.

"We needed to fix up the scrum, little things around the line-out, then get a bit more accurate in how we attacked. We did that for a while, got ourselves back into the game, but in the end we had to force the game and gave away a couple of tries.

"They were too good for us at the breakdown today. That's the great thing about rugby, one day you're the best team in the world and the next a team knocks you off."

Thankfully, South Africa won - congratulations to them. Hopefully that will shut Eddie Jones up.

The English players couldn't even accept their medals with any grace or humility - in stark contrast to the man presenting them, one of the truly great English players of all time, Sir Bill Beaumont.

Owen Farrell's arrogance and self-love is truly excruciating.

Swami

 

[Barbara Fan]

As a Brit I still wanted England to win, didnt watch the match, was shopping, but will catch up on highlights later

My dad - Rugby fan - says the best game he watched was Japan V Scotland and if Japan made it to a final against England, hed root for Japan as they play great Rugby and its not all about brute strength and force.

Looks like they held a very successful championship in their country x

 

[Swami]

South Africa did what they knew best, going back fifty or sixty years they have put so much priority in getting their scrums right. Only one team has ever surpassed their scrummaging might - the 1974 Lions.

Swami