Another Rugby World Cup epic was served up tonight - going went some way to making up for last night's walk over - as South Africa edged England 16-15 in Paris.
England showed incredible grit in wet conditions to lead up until the 78th minute, before Handre Pollard broke their hearts with a long range penalty attempt.
Once again, South Africa's substitutes made a huge difference, with Ox Nche dominating the scrum and RG Snyman going over for a crucial late try.
However, in the Virgin Media studios, Matt Williams continued his contempt towards South Africa's so called 'Bomb Squad', and refused to give them credit for the win.
"No I will not," replied Williams staunchly, after being asked by Joe Molloy whether he would finally give the bomb squad the credit that they deserve.
Let me tell you what lost them that game. England got two five metre line outs, Jamie George threw one crooked and one just slipped out of his hands, and they had about four scrums where they gave away penalties.
You cannot win games when you haven't got your set play right.
I think there were some appalling decisions on the scrum penalties as well.
READ HERE: Mike Tindall Rips Into South Africa Ahead Of Semifinal Showdown
Matt Williams Still Not Accepting Of The South Africa Bomb Squad After England Win
England led tonight's World Cup semi-final from the 3rd minute until the 78th minute. So, how did they lose it? Rob Kearney, Matt Williams and Ian Madigan discuss having watched the game in studio.#ENGvRSA | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/tZLn1KyOcM
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 21, 2023
HUGE KICK FROM POLLARD!
South Africa lead for the first time in the 78th minute!#ENGvRSA | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/1l2SUDDLi2
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 21, 2023
South Africa Vs England Rugby World Cup Semi-Final : How It Went
England got under the skin of South Africa from the off and raced into a 3-0 lead from a third minute Owen Farrell penalty.
That lead was doubled soon after, with England dominating the tight exchanges, and South Africa making a host of uncharacteristic mistakes.
The teams traded a penalty each, before South Africa's out-half Mannie Libbock was ruthlessly subbed off for Handre Pollard after 31 minutes.
Pollard quickly brought the game back to 9-6, but Owen Farrell restored England's six point lead just before half-time.
Farrell would continue his brilliance in the second 40 as the rain poured down in Paris, and after 53 minutes he struck a stunning drop goal from near the half way line.
The predicted South African comeback didn't look like it was going too appear and their performance became panicky in difficult conditions, with the clock ticking towards 80.
However, as they did in the last round against France, they rallied hard in the final ten minutes and scored a try through Munster's RG Snyman, before Handre Pollard kicked the winning points in the 78th minute.
SEE ALSO: World Rugby Admit To Five Huge Refereeing Errors In France - South Africa Quarter-Final
