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Subscribe to RSS FeedThe RWC final report cards
Star man: Victor Matfield with his prize
There could only be one winner, but as one headline ran after the game: 'England lose with pride intact'.
South Africa are World rugby champions, but they overcame a huge effort from a previously written-off England team in a belting encounter that will have all players used rubbing liniment into bruises for some days to come.
That's the team performances, but what of individuals? we give the player-by-player rundown on how the World Cup finalists fared in Paris on Saturday...
ENGLAND
Jason Robinson - In last rugby union appearance, was safe under the high ball but given little chance to show attacking threat. Forced off injured in the 47th minute. 7
Paul Sackey - Dealt admirably with Bryan Habana in first half but given little licence to run. 7
Mathew Tait - Costly slip for Springboks' first penalty, but recovered superbly and was England's most dangerous runner. His amazing run preceded Mark Cueto's disallowed try. 8
Mike Catt - Used up-and-under to good effect in the first half, but was subbed off early in second. 6
Mark Cueto - Had a try disallowed for putting foot in touch. Did everything that was asked of him and strong in defence. 7
Jonny Wilkinson - Kicking out of hand was not the best, but booted his two attempts at goal. Otherwise failed to find the spark to ignite his back-line6
Andy Gomarsall - Grew in confidence as match progressed and harassed Fourie Du Preez throughout. A couple of clever box kicks. 7
Nick Easter - A couple of trademark charges in loose and part of a tireless back-row effort, but fell away as the game went on. 7
Lewis Moody - His battle with Juan Smith at the breakdown was thunderous - another gallant effort, but also faded away. 6
Martin Corry - England's star back-rower, making a host of bullocking runs. As industrious as ever and did not deserve to be on losing side. 8
Ben Kay - Won fair share of line-out ball, his main task, but was up against a superb opponent in Victor Matfield and was overshadowed in the set piece. Made up for it in the loose. 6
Simon Shaw - Continued his scintillating tournament, showing great hands in the loose. 7
Phil Vickery - Grafted away at coalface, but not given an easy ride by Os du Randt, and was replaced at half-time by Matt Stevens. 6
Mark Regan - Worryingly awry with first two line-out throws, but improved in that department and was a fierce competitor as always. 6
Andrew Sheridan - Typically powerful in the scrum, but not so ebullient in loose. 7
Replacements:
George Chuter (on for Regan, 62 mins) - Missed his jumper at key line-out with 15 minutes left, and couldn't bring any extra zip. 5
Matt Stevens (on for Vickery, at half-time) - Fresh legs and another good stint as impact substitute, but also given a tough ride by Os 6
Lawrence Dallaglio (on for Easter, 65 mins) - The veteran had little chance to affect outcome of match. 6
Joe Worsley (on for Moody, 62 mins) - Had just eight minutes off bench before being replaced by Peter Richards because of injury. 6
Peter Richards (on for Worsley, 70 mins) - Little chance to affect course of match. 6
Toby Flood (on for Catt, 51 mins) - Could not get on end of any of England's back-line moves, but will learn from this experience. 6
Dan Hipkiss (on for Robinson, 47 mins) - Evasive and powerful runner in his 30-minute cameo. 7
SOUTH AFRICA
Percy Montgomery - Clean kicking from hand and flawless from four kicks from the floor. Superb positioning throughout and did not put a foot wrong all night. 9
JP Pietersen - Not given a chance to show speed out wide but strong in defence, keeping the busy Cueto at bay. 7
Jaque Fourie - Not at his scintillating best, but did what he had to in defence. 7
Francois Steyn - Missed an early penalty, but made a great break late in first half and made several telling charges up the middle. Kicked key long-range penalty in the 62nd minute. 7
Bryan Habana - Hardly seen as attacking threat, fortunately for England, but part of a grafting defensive effort. 6
Butch James - Great chip and take in first half, and turned England defence around with a shower of neat kicks to touch. 8
Fourie du Preez - Found Gomarsall a pest and not as dominant as he has been this tournament, but superb distribution helped James no end. 7
Danie Rossouw - Early knock-on showed nerves, but a workhorse at the important breakdown area. 7
Juan Smith - One of the Springboks' heroes this tournament, and another stellar showing here. Stole a couple of key balls, at the ruck and in line-out. 8
Schalk Burger - Thunderous at breakdown, and did not give an inch in defence. Happy to put body on line as always. 7
Victor Matfield - Always a threat on England line-out ball, and comfortable on his own. Covered a mile of ground to make try-saving tackle on Tait. Yet another superb effort. 9
Bakkies Botha - Strong in the line-out, as he has been for last six weeks. His partnership with Matfield was again key. 8
CJ van der Linde - Battled away in the front row, keeping Sheridan quiet. 7
John Smit - Came off injured towards the end, but only after another strong shift. A great leader all tournament. 8
Os du Randt - One stand-out run midway through the first half from the old campaigner, who was vastly superior in the scrum. 8
Replacements:
Bismarck du Plessis (on for Smit, 72 mins) - Little chance to get into game in short spell as blood-bin replacement. 6
Wikus van Heerden (on for Rossouw, 73 mins) - Made a crucial turnover late on, otherwise, too little time. 7
