2019 Rugby World Cup Final – England vs South Africa Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is England vs South Africa taking place? Saturday 2nd November, 2019 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is England vs South Africa taking place? Nissan Stadium, Yokohama
What is the expected weather for England vs South Africa? Cloudy, 17c
What television channel is England vs South Africa on? This match will be televised live on ITV and this schedule should tell you which channel it is on
Where can I stream England vs South Africa? This match can be streamed via the ITV Hub
Where can I get tickets for New Zealan vs South Africa? https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets
What was the score in the last meeting between England and South Africa? England 12-11 South Africa
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- England produced one of the greatest performances against New Zealand in Rugby World Cup history as they rightfully advanced to the final thanks to a dominant display against the world’s number one side.
- Jonny May limped off with a dead leg in the semi-final after previously struggling with a hamstring injury but the England winger has managed to prove his fitness and he has been named in Eddie Jones' starting XV alongside captain Owen Farrell and Kyle Sinckler who have also overcome injury concerns.
- Scrum-half Willi Heinz suffered a hamstring injury after coming off the bench in the semi-final and has suffered heartache with that knock ruling him out of the final which means Ben Spencer will make his RWC debut from the bench after he was called up as a late replacement.
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa were able to grind out a scrappy win over Wales in their RWC semi-final and will look to do the same in the final as they attempt to disrupt England’s flow which they will deem the best way of coming out on top to earn a third Webb Ellis Cup.
- The Springboks had looked set to name an unchanged side for this mammoth clash but they have been boosted by the return of winger Cheslin Kobe who has managed to recover from an ankle injury to take the place of S'Busiso Nkosi who drops out of the 23.
- Scrum-half Faf De Klerk is set to be key to his side’s chances and if he can replicate the performance he managed in the semi-final last week, it will give the Springboks a superb footing and he is likely to get in the faces of his opponents in an effort to put them off their game.
THE PREDICTION
England will get the chance to avenge their 2007 RWC final defeat to South Africa as the two nations square off again in Japan. The Springboks will prove a difficult opponent but having beaten the might of the All Blacks, the English will be confident and can lift the trophy for the second time. It will be important for England to keep their discipline and composure against the physical Springboks but if they can play their own game, they should be able to come out on top.
