There is still one last remaining tango in Paris for both South Africa and England. The Springboks now have a delicious rendezvous with New Zealand in Saturday’s final, a showdown with all the ingredients to be a classic. England, meanwhile, have the less thrilling prospect of a “bronze final” against Argentina on Friday night, the rugby equivalent of a lukewarm kebab on the way home.
The stark contrast further underlines the fine margins involved at the highest level. England led on Saturday night for more than three-quarters of a compelling match and delivered their most rousingly committed performance for four years. Against most opposition it would have been sufficient but finishing off this multiheaded Springbok hydra continues to be easier said than done.
