England were once again agonisingly beaten by South Africa at the World Cup, this time at the semi-final stage four years on from their final defeat in Japan. Steve Borthwick’s men looked set for a place in the showpiece event but the Springboks had other ideas.
Handre Pollard’s late kick ensured South Africa ran out 16-15 winners and kept their hopes of winning a second consecutive World Cup alive as they take on New Zealand in a mammoth final next weekend.
Below, Express Sport runs the rule over England’s players during the sickening defeat at the Stade de France.
PLAYER RATINGS
Freddie Steward – 8: Brilliant display under high ball in the conditions until he finally spilled one late on. Fully justified his recall.
Jonny May – 7: Energetic stint in kick-chase role. Put the heat on Cheslin Kolbe. And contributed to England’s breakdown game too.
Joe Marchant – 6: Quiet ball-handling night but did all that was asked of him in Paris where he will soon be playing his rugby club for Stade Francais.
Manu Tuilagi – 7: Rock-like in the England midfield defensively and made a few important metres as a carrier on the few opportunities he had.
Elliot Daly – 8: Crumpled Duane Vermeulen with one huge hit and impressive in the air chasing England’s high-ball barrage.
Owen Farrell – 8: Kicking masterclass from England’s captain with superb second half drop goal the highlight. Only blot was conceding the ten metres that led to South Africa’s first points.
Alex Mitchell – 8: A coming-of-age night for Northampton’s scrum-half. Little chance to show his sniping skills but kicking game right on point.
Joe Marler – 8: Repaid faith given him to start with strong scrummaging show in what was on only his third start in three years.
Jamie George – 7: Gave everything asked to go the full 80 minutes again. Generally on the money on tricky lineout throwing night but one late missed dart will haunt him.
Dan Cole – 8: Banished all memories of 2019 final hell with great shift. When he went off the scrum balance – and the whole game – changed decisively.
Maro Itoje – 8: Early lineout steal set the tone for a big performance from the second row which eclipsed that of rival Eben Etzebeth.
