Team delivered most committed performance for four years but more flexibility is needed to overcome the best in world
There is still one last remaining tango in Paris for both South Africa and England. The Springboks now have a delicious rendezvous with New Zealand in Saturday’s final, a showdown with all the ingredients to be a classic. England, meanwhile, have the less thrilling prospect of a “bronze final” against Argentina on Friday night, the rugby equivalent of a lukewarm kebab on the way home.
The stark contrast further underlines the fine margins involved at the highest level. England led on Saturday night for more than three-quarters of a compelling match and delivered their most rousingly committed performance for four years. Against most opposition it would have been sufficient but finishing off this multiheaded Springbok hydra continues to be easier said than done.
Written by Robert Kitson in Paris
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2023/oct/22/england-south-africa-rugby-world-cup under the title “England restore faith but World Cup near miss signals the end of an era | Robert Kitson”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
