Pollard breaks English hearts, sends Boks into Rugby World Cup final

Handre Pollard kicks a penalty to make the score 15 – 16 to South Africa during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Handre Pollard broke English hearts as he landed a 49-metre penalty three minutes from time to book South Africa’s place in the World Cup final as they edged England 16-15 at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The Springboks trailed from the second minute when Owen Farrell landed the first of his four penalties but a late surge from the defending champions, which included a try from RG Snyman as well as Pollard’s enormous match-winning kick, saw them into a fourth final where they will meet their old rivals New Zealand.

“I think they put us under pressure in exactly the right areas,” said Pollard.

“But jeez the fight we showed, never giving up, it is what we stand for as a team and as a nation.”

Farrell was extremely proud of his teammates but also gracious in defeat.

“I am unbelievably proud of this group and what they have done over this past few months together,” he said. 

“It has not all gone ou