MX23RW : Friday, March 29 13:48:12| >> :600:754915:754915:

On this day in 2007: England lose agonising World Cup final to South Africa

England were 80-1 no-hopers after losing 36-0 to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup pool stages 36 days earlier.

England's monumental bid to create rugby history on this day 13 years ago failed at the final hurdle as South Africa were crowned world champions following a 15-6 victory in a tryless Stade de France showpiece.

The Springboks ended England's remarkable assault on world title glory by landing the Webb Ellis Trophy for a second time in 12 years.

But England, 80-1 no-hopers after losing 36-0 to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup pool stages 36 days earlier, made them fight every inch of the way.

And they could feel aggrieved at the final scoreline, given that wing Mark Cueto saw a 43rd-minute corner try not awarded by the video referee, while Springboks centre Francois Steyn's penalty clincher came after a dubious decision for obstruction.

Mark Cueto's try was ruled out
Mark Cueto's try was ruled out (David Davies/PA)

In the end though, not even Jonny Wilkinson could complete England's mission improbable against a South African side – brilliantly coached by Jake White – that fulfilled what they always felt was their destiny.

Full-back Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties, while Wilkinson booted a double for England, yet their hopes of becoming the first country to successfully defend the World Cup ultimately floundered.

It was a typically resilient England performance though, despite them ending the final with reserve scrum-half Peter Richards in the back-row after substitute flanker Joe Worsley went off injured.

ID:419036: cacheID:419036:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3990:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
England's Ellis Genge pictured on February 2 2019
Read Next:
Ellis Genge calls for update of "outdated" rugby contracts
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!