More World Cup heartache for Eddie as Springboks claim global crown

Yokohama: Eddie Jones was completely lost for answers after full-time as South Africa chalked up a record-equalling third Rugby World Cup victory with a 32-12 defeat over England on Saturday.

The Springboks joined the All Blacks as the only other team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup three times following a dominant performance over an England team that will lick its wounds after going into the match as heavy favourites.

No team had ever won a World Cup final after trailing at half-time and while the Springboks' 12-6 lead at the break, courtesy of four Handre Pollard penalties, was certainly security, it wasn’t until Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe streaked away for tries in the 66th and 74th minutes that all of South Africa could rejoice and celebrate another World Cup triumph 12 years on from their 2007 win over England.

And what a moment it was to watch Siya Kolisi, South Africa's first black captain, lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi hoists the Web Ellis Cup.Credit: Getty

Nelson Mandela would certainly be looking down and smiling at a hugely significant moment for not only South Africa but world sport.

“I honestly can’t explain how I was feeling, seeing the joy in my teammates’ faces was the best thing for me," Kolisi said. "We have so many problems in our country. A team like this - we come from different backgrounds, different races - and we came together with one goal. I really hope we have done that for South Africa, to show that we can pull together if we want to achieve something."

At 5.13pm local time, Jones strolled onto International Stadium Yokohama and kicked a stray soccer ball back to his players with a big grin on his face.

Less than three hours later, his calm and positive energy had turned to utter devastation as Jerome Garces blew full-time in front of a packed stadium of mostly vociferous England supporters.

Handre Pollard and Frans Steyn celebrate after the final whistle blows.Credit: Getty

The 22nd day of November in 2003 was supposed to be Jones’ finest moment, in which he would steer the Wallabies to victory over the Old Enemy in a World Cup final. However, the mental trauma of falling short by a measly Jonny Wilkinson drop goal haunted him for years.

One can only imagine what this 20-point defeat, the second biggest in a World Cup final, will feel like and Jones himself struggled to put his finger on just what went wrong on a horror night.

Makazole Mapimpi breaks through to score his team's first try during any World Cup final.Credit: Getty

"I don’t know why we didn’t play well today and it’s one these things that happen in high level rugby," Jones said. "You can have the most investigative debrief of your game and you still don’t know what was wrong. It just happens sometimes. We’re going to be kicking stones now for four years and it’s hard to kick stones for four years. We’re massively disappointed.

"The only thing we’re worried about it having a few beers and that’s the only thing we will worry about. After we have a few beers today, we’ll probably have a few more beers tomorrow and then probably Monday and they maybe we’ll have to call it stumps.

"We’re the second best in the world. I think that’s how we should be remembered. We played with a lot of pride and passion but we got caught short today and these things happen. You can’t doubt the effort of the players, I thought they were extraordinary. Why we came short today I’m not sure. Sometimes you never know mate."

Rugby Australia ought to pick up the phone and see if Jones is interested in helping rebuild an underperforming Wallabies team but it’s best they don’t do so for a few days as Jones comes to terms with being the first coach to lose two World Cup finals.

The man with the Aussie drawl wanted his troops to play with no fear but the bright lights of a World Cup final blinded England’s stars, with poor passes and a general lack of cohesion limiting their ability to get down South Africa’s end.

Cheslin Kolbe celebrates with Handre Pollard, Frans Steyn, RG Snyman and Franco Mostert.Credit: Getty

England had a setback in the third minute when prop Kyle Sinckler was knocked out cold as a result of some friendly fire with Maro Itoje.

Dan Cole, happy to engage in a two-prong comedy act with Joe Marler during media duties this week, wasn’t laughing upon realising he would have to get through 77 minutes of hard work.

The result? Cole had an absolute shocker and was folded in a number of times as England’s scrum was annihilated in embarrassing fashion until Marler regained some respect when he came on.

Jones used to be a chirpy hooker for Randwick and even he at times would have been tempted to lace the boots and do it himself, despite being half the size of South Africa’s monster front-rowers.

Cheslin Kolbe breaks through the tackle of Owen Farrell of England to score.Credit: Getty

"I’m not really sure [what went wrong with the scrums]," Jones said. "We got in trouble in the scrums, we struggled in the first half, made personnel changes in the second half and got back into it. South Africa for some reason were too strong for us. That’s what happens in rugby sometimes.

Penalty kicks were the flavour of the evening before South Africa proved the doubters wrong with some dazzling play in the final quarter.

Pollard booted the first points of the evening but England pulled level 3-3 in the 23rd minute.

However, South African hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi was forced from the field with a concussion and second-rower Lood De Jager trudged off with his arm dislocated and dangling to one side.

This match will be remembered for its sheer physicality, England’s woeful scrummaging and some outstanding Springboks defence. Only 10 tackles were missed in the first half all up as two hungry sides put their bodies on the line.

England trailed by just six points with 14 minutes remaining but were blown away by a spirited Springboks outfit who wanted it more.

In 1999, Australia were crowned world champions in rugby and cricket. The fact England, perennial underachievers at major sporting events, bottled their chance to equal such a feat may be a silver lining for Australians fans who deep down want what they probably can’t have – Eddie Jones.