Springboks win World Cup
South Africa are the world champions of rugby for the second time, scoring a 15-6 win over a gallant England at the Stade De France.
In the first tryless final since the Springboks 1995 triumph over the All Blacks, South Africa never trailed. Percy Montgomery landed the first of his four penalties in the seventh minute after England centre Mathew Tait failed to release in his own 22m.
England hit back six minutes later when Jonny Wilkinson drilled an audacious penalty from the sideline.
The Boks took the lead just seconds later with another penalty. The warm favourites then enjoyed the bulk of field position, although memories of their 36-nil spanking of the English just weeks ago were distant as any momentum was quickly snuffed out.
Montgomery gave South Africa a significant six point lead when he polished off another penalty goal on the stroke of half time.
England flew out of the blocks in the second half, appearing to score the game’s first try, when Tait crashed through the line, before handing off to Mark Cueto, who dived for the corner. An extensive review from the video official saw the try disallowed on the grounds that Cueto went into touch.
It was a decisive moment.
That disappointment was eased somewhat when Wilkinson bridged the gap to three points with another penalty goal, however England suffered a major blow moments later when fullback Jason Robinson left the match, with what appeared to be a groin injury.
The lead extended to six when Montgomery kicked another penalty in the 50th minute.
England enjoyed a decent period of possession and position, however they did not have the attacking spark to capitalise. Another Springboks penalty goal, this time by Francois Steyn, gave South Africa a nine point margin.
The remainder of the match was scoreless, with a long drop goal effort by Wilkinson missing.
South Africa joins Australia as the only nations to have lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy on two occasions.
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Another game of rugby…. NO TRIES!
I’m sick of it!