Background of the RWC
The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is a global tournament that brings together the best rugby nations from around the world. The tournament takes place every four years and, in 2019, it was held in Japan. The final saw South Africa pitted against England, two teams with a rich rugby history and a burning desire to win. South Africa came out on top, winning 32-12 and taking home their third World Cup title. But did they truly deserve to beat England? Let's delve into that.
South Africa's Journey to the RWC Finals
South Africa had a remarkable journey to the finals. They started off shaky, losing to New Zealand in the first match, but quickly picked up the pace and won every subsequent match. Their style of play was characterized by a strong forward pack, a robust defense, and a clinical kicking game. Their strategy was clear and simple – strangle the opposition with their powerful pack and score points through penalties and drop goals.
England's Path to the RWC Finals
England, on the other hand, had a stellar run through the tournament. They had a perfect record in the group stages and beat powerhouses Australia and New Zealand in the knockout stages. Their style of play was more balanced, with a powerful pack and a creative backline. They were a well-oiled machine, with each player knowing their role and executing it perfectly.
The RWC Final Game
The final was a fiercely contested match. South Africa dominated the forward battles and pinned England back with their ferocious defense and precise kicking. England struggled to cope with the pressure and made uncharacteristic errors. Despite the efforts of their valiant players, they fell short.
South Africa's Win: Deserved or Not?
So, did South Africa deserve to beat England in the final? Absolutely. They executed their game plan perfectly and outplayed England in every department. They dominated the forward battles, their defence was impenetrable, and their kicking game was spot on. They made fewer mistakes and took their chances when they came. It was a masterclass in power rugby and they fully deserved their win.
England's Performance: A Disappointment?
England's performance in the final was disappointing, to say the least. They were outplayed in every department and didn't seem to have a plan B when their initial game plan didn't work. However, it's important to remember that they had a fantastic run in the tournament and beat some of the best teams in the world. They are a young team with a lot of potential and will surely come back stronger in the next tournament.
The Takeaway from the RWC
The Rugby World Cup 2019 was a thrilling tournament that showcased the best of international rugby. South Africa's win was a testament to their resilience, hard work, and strategic brilliance. England, despite their loss in the final, showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in world rugby. As we look forward to the next Rugby World Cup, one thing is for sure – the spirit of rugby is alive and well, and we can expect more thrilling matches in the future.