South Africa v England: Classic Rugby World Cup clashes
Updated | By Andrew Hallett
The big one has arrived! South Africa take on the English in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday at 11am local time. Are you ready? We take a look back at the previous clashes between the sides at the showpiece event.
This is the big one. For players, coaches, and fans, this is the one you want to win. It is great to win tournaments like the Six Nations or Rugby Championship, but the real deal is lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
For England and South Africa, they will have the chance to write their names in the history books - and do exactly what they all dreamed of while honing their skills over the years.
READ ALSO: [LISTEN] 'I'm hoping we'll annihilate the English': Ramaphosa
For 80 minutes on Saturday at the International Stadium Yokohama in Japan, all that stands between the players and glory is a bucketload of blood and sweat, crunching tackles, bruised bodies, and about 1500kg of opposition. The time for talking is gone - now it is down to the players to ensure they use the rugby ball in a positive manner, and with a purpose to make their respective countries proud.
This will not be the first time South Africa and England have met at the Rugby World Cup. In fact, this will be the fifth time, with South Africa winning three - including that magical night in Paris in 2007 when John Smit lifted the World Cup trophy.
Here we take a look at the previous meetings between the sides at the Rugby World Cup - and here's hoping that the boys in Green and Gold can channel their counterparts of the past and do the business on the field (maybe just not the guys who played in 2003).
1999 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final
Stade de France, ParisResult: South Africa 44-21 England
2003 Rugby World Cup Pool Stage
Subiaco Oval, PerthResult: England 25-6 South Africa
2007 Rugby World Cup Pool Stage
Stade de France, ParisResult: South Africa 36-0 England
2007 Rugby World Cup Final
Stade de France, ParisResult: South Africa 15-6 England
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