Rugby World Cup final: England defeated by South Africa

2 November 2019, 11:01

England have lost 12-32 to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final at the Yokohama Stadium in Japan.

England's rugby team has been defeated in the World Cup final, losing 12-32 to South Africa.

The side was crushed by the Springbocks in the final at the Yokahoma Stadium in Japan.

England suffered a similar loss when they last faced South Africa in the rugby World Cup final 12 years ago.

In a tweet after the game, Boris Johnson said: "Hats off to South Africa who were just rocklike in defence today but

@EnglandRugby can hold their heads high after an amazing tournament."

Thousands of England fans flocked to Japan for the final today.

It was a tense game throughout.

England had a difficult first half, and no team has ever come back from a half time deficit to win the rugby World Cup final.

Tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe sealed a third Rugby World Cup triumph for South Africa

At half time, Eddie Jones's team were down 6-12.

England prop Kyle Sinckler was taken off with concussion in the third minute after he collided with teammate Maro Itoje.

Millions of fans also tuned into the big game from their sofas.

Broadcaster ITV said coverage of England's semi-final clash peaked at 10 million viewers, almost three quarters of the overall TV audience, last weekend.

Today's final had an even bigger audience.

Before the game, the Queen, Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader all sent messages wishing the team good luck, while the Duke of Sussex jetted out to watch the final in person.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted her condolences to the England team.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan have also tweeted about the result.