Springboks look to defend World Cup title in 'special' final against All Blacks

After beating England in a thrilling semi-final at Stade de France on Saturday, South Africa will look to defend their Rugby World Cup title against fierce rivals New Zealand next weekend.

With 20 minutes to play against a valiant England outfit on a rain-soaked night in Saint-Denis, the Springboks looked down and out.

Owen Farrell had knocked over a drop goal from long-range less than 10 minutes earlier. It was a moment that felt eerily similar to Dan Carter’s clutch kick against the Boks in their semi-final back in 2015.

But spurred on by thousands of South African rugby fans watching on in both awe and desperation, the Springboks mounted a famous comeback. Handre Pollard was the hero with a clutch penalty goal at the death.

South Africa is potentially 80 minutes away from becoming just the second nation to go back-to-back at Rugby World Cups, but they’ll face a tough Test against the country that first achieved that feat.

The All Blacks have overcome pressure, scrutiny and external doubt to book their spot in the big dance. Their ferocious rivalry with the Boks also sets the scene for what will be a “special” Cup final.

"It's going to be as big as it was tonight,” Springboks captain Siya Kolisi said on Saturday.

“The All Blacks played really well last night but we want to thank the South African supporters who came all the way here to support us and the ones back at home as well.

“Next week is going to be hard, it's going to be special but may they stay with us and hopefully we can defend it."

The All Blacks looked like world-beaters during a perfect run in The Rugby Championship earlier this year. New Zealand beat Argentina, Australia and of course South Africa.

But the Springboks got their revenge. Playing at Twickenham two weeks before the World Cup, the Boks ran riot against a helpless All Blacks outfit as they won 35-7.

South Africa was widely bestowed World Cup favouritism along with tournament hosts France, while the New Zealanders were written off as a shadow of their former selves.

But the past is the past. These two teams will etch another chapter into the history of their great rivalry next weekend as the Boks look to defend their World Cup crown.

"It's honestly all the hard work we have put in came off. It was really ugly today but that is what champions are made of,” Kolisi added.

“Credit to England, they have worked hard. They were written off before the World Cup. Coach Steve [Borthwick] and Owen [Farrell] and the team pulled themselves together and showed who they are. They are not a team you take lightly, all credit to them for being in the semi-final today.

“To my team as well it was ugly today like it was last week but we found a way to fight back and get back into the game. Well done to the boys. I am really proud of the fight that was showed, especially the guys who came off the bench once again."