South Africa were hardly anticipated to reach even as far as the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup, but they have surpassed all barriers. The Springboks rallied to a 37-13 victory against Argentina in the second semi-final on Sunday to book their place in the final, where they will lock horns with England.
South Africa and England have already met in the competition and it was the African nation who emerged the surprise winners. Last month, South Africa tamed England at the Stade de France in a Pool match and on Saturday will clash with them once again. If they continue their rampant form that they exhibited against Argentina in the semi-final, a rejuvenated England side could well be brushed aside in the final.
The best player for South Africa against Argentina was Bryan Habana who scored two scintillating tries to spearhead an exhilarating South African rugby side. The 1995 World Cup winners had the game virtually wrapped up in the first half when they took a comfortable 24-6 lead.
The first period of the game witnessed Argentina unable to find their ground. The South Americans collapsed all too easily in the face of tries from Fourie du Preez, Habana and Danie Rossouw.
The second half had a similar story to tell. Although the Pumas did catch the Springboks unguarded early on in the second half and cut South Africa’s lead to 24-13, the effort proved to be futile as South Africa came back strongly once more. Haban scored one more try in the second half to take his tally for the competition to 8 and now becomes the leading try scorer in the competition.
The final of the Rugby World Cup is on Saturday and once again, England and South Africa would battle it out for the coveted silverware. With Jonny Wilkinson returning into his vintage form and charging England forward, the final is expected to be a great one.
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Source: ESPN Star Sports
