South Africa has reached the final of the Rugby World Cup against England. The "Springboks" won their semi-final against Wales 19:16 (9: 6). In a game with many fouls there were a total of seven successful penalties. Four minutes from time, Handré Pollard's penalty fell to the winner (76th minute).
Already in the first half the specialists for the penalty kicks were in the focus. Pollard put South Africa in the lead with a penalty (15th), and only a few minutes later Dan Biggar equalized (18th). However, the Welsh, third in the world rankings, were facing personal problems: with Tom Francis and George North two players had to be replaced before the break due to injury. Pollard again led the Springboks (20/35) with two penalty kicks, with Biggar's last penalty before the break reducing it to 6: 9 (39 ').
The second half began as the first ended, because again hit Biggar by penalty kick and made the compensation ago (46.). It took until the 57th minute, before the first attempt of the game was laid. With his try Damian de Allende South Africa led again (57th), the subsequent conversion turned Pollard to 16: 9 (58th). But also this leadership did not last long, because Wales succeeded thanks to Josh Adams also the first try (65.) and by the conversion of Leigh Halfpenny the new equalization (66.). However, the decision then fell by penalty kick: Four minutes from time Pollard met the 19:16 final score.
England had surprisingly defeated New Zealand 19: 7 (10-0) on Saturday and pulled into the final. On November 2, South Africa will play in Yokohama for its third, England for its second world title. Wales play for third place against New Zealand on 1 November.
