Owen Farrell's boot kept England in front until the final minutes of the game when a Handre Pollard penalty gave the Springboks a 16-15 lead.
England missed out on a place in the Rugby World Cup final after a narrow defeat to holders South Africa. Steve Borthwick's side led for most of the game courtesy of four penalties and a drop goal from captain Owen Farrell and looked set for a meeting with New Zealand in next Saturday's showpiece. But a late try from RG Snyman followed by a Handre Pollard penalty gave the Springboks a 16-15 win. South Africa continue on in their defence of the crown they earned in Japan four years ago.
Every aspect of the contest was being won by England, but they were also their own worst enemies as they gave away three needless penalties, one of them for a moment of petulance from Farrell that allowed Manie Libbok to land three points. Libbok became the fall guy for South Africa's woes when he was replaced in the 32nd minute by Pollard in the hope the 2019 World Cup winner would bring greater control.
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