Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa edge past England in thrilling semi-final

Pollard's late penalty seals Springboks' place in final

England's World Cup dream ends in heartbreaking defeat

Reigning champions South Africa edged past England in a pulsating Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris on Saturday, with Handre Pollard's penalty from 50 metres out in the final few minutes of the match proving the difference between the two sides.

The Springboks will now face Ireland or France in the final next Saturday, while England's World Cup dream came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.

England had led for much of the match, but South Africa came storming back in the second half and Pollard's late penalty ultimately proved decisive.

The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at the Stade de France, and the atmosphere was electric throughout.

England started the match brightly and took an early lead through a penalty from Owen Farrell.

South Africa hit back with a try from Makazole Mapimpi, but England regained the lead with another Farrell penalty.

The Springboks continued to press and were rewarded with a second try from Lukhanyo Am, which Pollard converted.

England hit back with a try from Freddie Steward, but Pollard's conversion and a subsequent penalty gave South Africa a 16-15 lead.

England had a chance to win the match in the dying seconds, but Farrell's drop-goal attempt drifted wide.

The victory was a huge relief for South Africa, who had been under pressure to perform after their shock defeat to Japan in the pool stages.

It was also a bitter blow for England, who had been hoping to win the World Cup for the first time since 2003.