A guide to the 2019 World Cup Final

This year’s Rugby World Cup hasn’t been short of drama, but at last, we reach the climax as England take on South Africa for the Web Ellis Cup. Ahead of the match, England is the favourite in Rugby World Cup winner odds. Eddie Jones’ men have had a successful campaign, but have one final hurdle. Here’s all you need to know ahead of what will be a thrilling final.

The road to Yokohama

England finished top of Pool C, despite Typhoon Hagibis cancelling their final group game against France. Jones’ side won their other three games against Tonga, the USA, and Argentina, and gained two points in their cancelled game, which counted as a draw.

In the quarter-finals, the Red Roses took on Australia, who finished runners-up in Pool D. It proved to be a demolition, with England victorious 40-16, and it was enough for the Wallabies coach, Michael Cheika to resign from his post. New Zealand was the opponent in the semis, and again, it was a comfortable win. The All-Blacks were looking to retain their title for a third successive World Cup but were completely overwhelmed from the opening minute.

South Africa were runners-up to the All-Blacks in Pool B, having lost their opening clash against the holders. But they went on to win their final three games against Namibia, Italy, and Canada, conceding as few as 13 points. Rassie Erasmus’ side scored the most points (185) in the Pool stages.

The Springboks took on the hosts in the quarter-finals, ending the Brave Blossoms party with a dominant victory. The Boks had to withstand some heavy pressure and it was a low-scoring first half, with South Africa winning 5-3. Unable to add to their tally in the second half, Faf de Klerk et al crushed the Blossoms’ dreams. Their semi-final against Wales was a lot closer, with the Boks holding a slender lead of 9-6 at half time – but they continued to hold on and triumph 19-16.

Team previews

England will remain unchanged for the final, with Eddie Jones adamant his side will produce their finest performance when it matters. Captain Owen Farrell, leading try-scorer Jonny May and Kyle Sinckler have all overcome their knocks from the semi-final.

Ahead of the clash, Jones said: “That was always our aim, to be here on 2 November in the Yokohama Stadium. So, we’ve achieved one goal, but we know what’s at stake in the final, and we’re well prepared.

“We have to make adjustments, but we’re ready for the brutality of the game. Our players have had the will to prepare. They’ve pushed themselves through some tough physical tasks.”

Meanwhile, Erasmus makes one change to the Boks line-up, with Cheslin Kolbe returning to the squad, replacing Sbu Nkosi, who drops out of the 23. SiyaKolisi will lead the side out for the 20th time, as he earns his 50th cap. On his decision to drop Nkosi, Erasmus said: “We have been developing some momentum through the tournament, which has come from consistency and although we know there are things we can do better this is a fit, well-practised set of combinations.”

They’ve met before

The Springboks and Red Roses contested the 2007 World Cup Final held in Paris. It was back-to-back finals for England, who had won the 2003 World Cup in Australia. But this time it wasn’t to be and South Africa won their second Webb Ellis Cup.

It was a low-scoring final, with no tries scored, although both sides had an opportunity each. Instead, South Africa scored five penalties, with England’s Jonny Wilkinson scoring two. Although England held long spells of possession, they were unable to break South Africa down.

Jones was on the Boks coaching team in 2007 and was accredited with masterminding their success in France. There’s no doubt he will be aiming for the trophy again as his England side look to avenge South Africa in Yokohama.

—

Looking back at their previous meetings, South Africa has a decent record over England. They have won 25 of their 42 encounters, most recently winning the 2018 test, held in South Africa. But England was victorious in last year’s autumn international – and as we’ve seen at the World Cup, anything can happen.