North Versus South Showdown In 2019 RWC Final

The stage is set for the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan, this Saturday, November 2.

World number two England faces the might of the South African Sprinboks in a battle between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. England put aside world number one the New Zealand All Blacks in the first semifinal while the tough South African side scraped past Six Nations champion Wales with a penalty.

After weeks of gruelling encounters where host nation Japan stole the heart of rugby followers around the world, the final two sides are left standing.

England should enter the final as favourites judging by their total dominance over defending champion New Zealand for long spells in their semi-final clash. South Africa proved they were worthy finalist after brilliant performances from pool matches and will be buoyed by narrow 19-16 win against the Welsh. The Springboks will want to repeat their performance in 2007 when they defeated England in the RWC final.

Having won the last two World Cups, surely everyone, including those who love to dislike the All Blacks would have propped the All Blacks to win again, considering their total control of their opposition up to quarterfinal stage.

It’s testament to the England players that they were able to tame the All Blacks so effectively on Saturday. As rugby writer Matt Jones described England’s win – “The foundation for England’s excellent win was their defensive play, as they prevented New Zealand’s array of talented attacking players from establishing any sort of rhythm in the contest.”

Maro Itoje was colossal for his side, with his tackling and lineout work a key building block for the team. He was supported by the imperious Sam Underhill, who covered an astonishing amount of ground to keep New Zealand at bay.

Indeed Itoje was the thorn in the All Blacks side, enabling turnover possession in mauls and causing headaches at line outs.

The lanky lock was on top of his game and deserved the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

The final, we hope will be a game played to full rugby tradition rather than kicks which seem to be the dominating factor of Northern Hemisphere sides.

Both teams are unlikely to take risks in the early stages for fear of conceding early points because both sides have prolific goal kickers in England captain Owen Farrel and Springboks Handre Pollard. However, as the match moves on the power of the England pack and the greater ingenuity they have in the backs should see them take control, culminating in an historic night for coach Eddie Jones and his players.

All the best to the two teams.