Final Showdown in Paris
For both England and South Africa, a final tango awaits them in Paris. The Springboks and New Zealand will now meet in a highly anticipated final on Saturday, a matchup that possesses every element necessary to become a classic.
England, meanwhile, faces Argentina in a “bronze final” on Friday night, which is the rugby equivalent of having a tepid kebab on the way home. This is a less exciting prospect.
Highlighting Narrow Margins
The striking contrast serves to emphasize the razor-thin margins that exist at the highest level. On Saturday night, England maintained the lead for over three-quarters of a captivating match and displayed their most dedicated effort in over four years.
Although it could have been adequate in the face of most opposition, eliminating this formidable Springbok hydra is more challenging in practice than it seems.
The Impact of South Africa’s “Bomb Squad”
While the frequent mention of South Africa’s “Bomb Squad” may feel trite at times, it was their reserves that once more inflicted severe emotional damage on the English. Ox Nché, as his name implies, is a formidable scrum opponent, and the replacement prop’s demolition of Kyle Sinckler in the second half was ultimately as decisive as Handré Pollard’s nerveless, match-winning conversion kick from near the halfway line in the 78th minute.
Pollard’s Remarkable Return
The inconsequential nature of the final penalty decision was inconsequential in comparison to the mental image that had already become ingrained in the mind of the referee, Ben O’Keeffe: a green-shirted cohort that was progressively gaining the upper hand over their laborious opponents.
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Pollard, who initially couldn’t be selected for this tournament due to injury, also deserves credit. Similar to Morné Steyn’s performance against the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and 2021, he never appeared to be missing anything.
Familiar Patterns in the Game
Additionally, it was an agonizingly familiar film in various respects. South Africa performed unfavorably in the first half, considering their reputation, due to the inclement weather, England’s exceptional kick-to-regather, and the opposition’s collective determination.
However, the Boks possess an exceptionally well-equipped toolbox for such exigencies. Nché, an advocate of chocolate cake and a firm conviction that “salads do not prevail in scrums,” was merely one of a number of “pine riders” who significantly altered the course of events.
Challenges for England’s Aging Stars
Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Faf de Klerk, and Pollard, none of whom entered the game, followed closely behind. Although England would love to replicate such depth, several of their senior players are approaching the end of their Test careers.
Who will succeed Jonny May, Courtney Lawes, Dan Cole, Joe Marler, Ben Youngs, and Danny Care, all of whom have been exemplary servants for decades? It is highly improbable that Manu Tuilagi, Billy and Mako Vunipola, Sinckler, Elliot Daly, and Jamie George will qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Australia.
Transition in English Rugby
With an increasing number of players, including Joe Marchant, Henry Arundell, and David Ribbans, relocating to France’s Top 14, it is difficult to escape a sense of an era coming to an end.
It further complicates the Boks’ medium-term task of surpassing formidable opponents like South Africa, especially in crucial positions such as prop and centre, where they continue to be endowed.
The Imperative of Adaptability
It is imperative to recognize another aspect of English rugby: not all matches are akin to the dreary and rainy session that occurred on Saturday. Despite the performance’s merits (how impressive was Owen Farrell’s drop goal that gave his team a 15-6 lead with less than thirty minutes remaining?)
They made little effort to score a try and were unable to generate a gear change in the final quarter, despite the fact that one was obviously required. Although it is debatable how England could have benefited from a fit Luke Cowan-Dickie, a fit Marcus Smith might have been advantageous. As demonstrated by the two finalists, the very finest in the world face a variety of threats that vary according to the circumstances.
Adapting to Shifting Strategies
The individual tasked with overseeing the reconstruction, Steve Borthwick, is presently placing emphasis on the third-place playoff against the Pumas. However, it goes without saying that greater adaptability becomes necessary when strategy A starts to falter.
“You must possess both tactical acumen and adaptability.” “South Africa deserves credit for finding a way to secure a victory despite trailing in the standings,” he stated. “There is a reason they are the number one side in the world.”
Reflecting on a Near Miss
Regardless, this near miss will have a lasting impact on everyone associated with England. When will they again approach the World Cup final to this degree? Had they maintained composure during those crucial late lineouts and scrums, they could have potentially amassed an adequate amount of momentum to overcome New Zealand. As the esteemed Cole acknowledged, “It is one of those situations in which you will ponder ‘What if?'” for the remainder of your life.
A Southern Hemisphere Champion
In its place, a ninth world champion from the southern hemisphere is now assured in ten editions of this competition. South Africa have on certain occasions capitalized on fortunate circumstances to defeat England and France by a single point, but their players and coaching staff have been commendable for their ability to rise to the occasion.
The lock Franco Mostert disclosed that Rassie Erasmus’s halftime team talk was ordinary at best: “He simply said, ‘We have to man up and start performing.'” However, the ruthlessness with which Erasmus replaced the laborious Manie Libbok and then Eben Etzebeth was magnificently rewarded.
Ageing Bok Pack and Rising New Zealand
Conversely, certain areas of the Bok pack are showing signs of deterioration, suggesting that New Zealand may be the more youthful of the two teams. England have demonstrated that circumstances have progressed since August when the All Blacks were humiliated by their former adversaries at Twickenham. A one-sided final appears extremely improbable.
Historic Feat Awaits the Winner
Regardless of the outcome, the victorious nation will accomplish a historic feat by becoming the first nation to hoist the Webb Ellis Cup four times. After a challenging two years, England has made some progress towards regaining the faith of their supporters, despite having gone over two decades without a victory. However, if they are to achieve success in 2027, they must unearth one or two domestic oxen.
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