The Hindu : Sport : South Africa dethrones England

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Monday, Oct 22, 2007
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Sport - Sports : General

South Africa dethrones England

Paris: A ruthless South Africa punished England’s ill-discipline for a tight 15-6 win over the defending champion in the rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France here on Saturday.

Full-back Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties, and 20-year-old centre Francois Steyn one, to hand the Springboks their second World Cup triumph after their victory on home soil in 1995.

Despite holding its own for most of the game, England could not avenge the humiliating 36-0 loss to South Africa in the pool stage barely five weeks ago.

England again showed the forward grit and determined defence that saw it record upset wins over Australia and France in the quarterfinal and semifinal, but could only notch up two penalties from outside-half Jonny Wilkinson.

“It’s important for our country and everyone back home,” said South African coach Jake White.

“I’m sure everyone is rejoicing. Congratulations to the players, they’ve been incredible ambassadors for the country.”

The results (final): South Africa 15 [Penalties: Percy Montgomery (4), Francois Steyn (1)] bt England 6 (Penalties: Jonny Wilkinson (2)].

Third-place play-off: Argentina 34 [(Tries: Felipe Contepomi (2), Omar Hasan (1), Federico Martin Aramburu (1), Ignacio Corleto (1); Conversions: Contepomi (3)] bt France 10 [(Try: Clement Poitrenaud (1); Conversion: Lionel Beauxis (1); Penalty: Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (1)]. — Agencies

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