South Africa produced a stunning performance to secure a convincing 32-12 win over England and triumphantly lift the Rugby World Cup.
Rassie Erasmus' men took the early lead in the first half at the International Stadium Yokohama when Handre Pollard scored a penalty.
But England, who put on a superb performance in the semi-finals to knock out holders New Zealand, levelled the scores when captain Owen Farrell scored a penalty in the 23rd minute.
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However, minutes later Pollard returned to score another penalty to put the Springboks back into the lead.
Farrell would pull England level once again from a penalty before Pollard stepped up to score for the third time from a penalty.
Eddie Jones' England side were dealt a bigger blow in the first half as Pollard scored his fourth penalty for South Africa to put his side up 12-6.
The Boks continued to put pressure on England in the second half and extended their lead to 15-6 through Pollard, who once again converted from a penalty.
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England continued to fight back and Farrell scored another penalty to narrow the score to 9-15, only to miss a penalty in the 54th minute.
Pollard would make Farrell regret his miss when he put his side 18-9 up, but the England skipper would reduce the margin to six points when he scored another penalty.
England's hard work in trying to mount a successful comeback was undone when Makazole Mapimpi scored a try, only for Pollard to convert and extend South Africa's lead.
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With South Africa leading 25-12, Erasmus' men dealt the final nail in the coffin when Cheslin Kolbe scored a try and Pollard once again converted to cap off his excellent performance.
South Africa's third World Cup triumph puts them level with New Zealand for most World Cup wins by a nation.
Topics: Rugby, Rugby news, south africa, England, rugby world cup, Japan
