Springboks v England: A World Cup history

Springboks v England: A World Cup history

Our boys take on the English this Saturday for the right to lift the Rugby World Cup trophy, but who has had the rub of the green between the two sides over the years on the world's biggest stage?

Rugby world cup Odd ANDERSEN / AFP
Odd ANDERSEN / AFP
This is the big one. For players, coaches, and fans, this is the one you want to win. It is great to win tournaments like the Six Nations or Rugby Championship, but the real deal is lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. For England and South Africa, they will have the chance to write their names in the history books - and do exactly what they all dreamed of while honing their skills over the years.

For 80 minutes on Saturday at the International Stadium Yokohama in Japan, all that stands between the players and glory is a bucketload of blood and sweat, crunching tackles, bruised bodies, and about 1500kg of opposition. The time for talking is gone - now it is down to the players to ensure they use the rugby ball in a positive manner, and with a purpose to make their respective countries proud.


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This will not be the first time South Africa and England have met at the Rugby World Cup. In fact, this will be the fifth time, with South Africa winning three - including that magical night in Paris in 2007 when John Smit lifted the World Cup trophy.

Here we take a look at the previous meetings between the sides at the Rugby World Cup - and here's hoping that the boys in Green and Gold can channel their counterparts of the past and do the business on the field (maybe just not the guys who played in 2003).

1999 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final
Stade de France, Paris
South Africa 44-21 England


2003 Rugby World Cup Pool Stage
Subiaco Oval, Perth
England 25-6 South Africa
2007 Rugby World Cup Pool Stage
Stade de France, Paris
South Africa 36-0 England

2007 Rugby World Cup Final
Stade de France, Paris
South Africa 15-6 England

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