England legend left fuming: ‘Ref won Springboks the game’

The Springboks won a scrum penalty late in the game and Handre Pollard calmly converted the opportunity into three points to guide South Africa to a remarkable 16-15 semi-final victory over England on Saturday.

MUST READ: England accuse Springbok player accused of racism

ENGLAND V SPRINGBOKS MATCH RECAP

After a difficult evening against an inspired England side, the Springboks managed to fight their way back to within two points on the scoreboard heading into the final five minutes of the contest.

Trailing 15-13 and with their World Cup hopes fading fast, the Springboks’ replacement front row came up with one last dominant scrum to win the match defining penalty at the set piece, wishing referee Ben O’Keeffe pinging England replacement loosehead Ellis Genge for having his knee on the ground and scrumming in on Vincent Koch.

Pollard when stepped and nailed the long range penalty kick which ultimately sealed the win for the Springboks.

MUST READ | SA Rugby investigating racism allegations against Springbok

DALLAGLIO BLAMES REF FOR ENGLISH TEAM’S RWC EXIT

However, speaking during British broadcaster ITV’s post-match analysis, former England captain Dallaglio fumed over New Zealand referee O’Keeffe’s officiating of the scrums.

“O’Keeffe is going to be the talking point as he’s won them the game – not South Africa,” Dallaglio said on ITV.

“I just think in the final analysis we couldn’t build scoreboard pressure. We had a couple of opportunities in the 22, one scrum, one lineout that went missing,” the former England skipper added.

“The bomb squad came on, four penalties given away in the last 10 minutes. I’ve got to say, not as a sore loser but independently, that’s a questionable penalty that wins the game.”

“I think England can feel heartbroken but South Africa deserved [the win] because, a bit like France, the quality in depth on the bench was enough to get them over the line.”

ALSO READ | Siya Kolisi — Springboks were ‘awful’ against England