The Indy Rugby Podcast: Devastation for England but Springboks victory provides hope for a nation

Jack de Menezes is joined by Samuel Lovett and Duncan Bech to re-live the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and pinpoint where it all went wrong for England – and pick out the highlights from six brilliant weeks in Japan

The Rugby World Cup came to an emotional climax on Saturday as South Africa comprehensively beat England 32-12 to bring the curtain down on a fascinating six weeks in Japan.

The sight of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis Cup 24 years after the Nelson Mandela-inspired 1995 triumph completed a fairy tale story for South Africa, who added to their Rugby Championship success earlier in the year.

But it proved a hugely disappointing finale for England, who failed to repeat the performance delivered against the All Blacks in the semi-finals a week prior to stumble their way to a heavy defeat. South African fly-half Handre Pollard did the bulk of the damage, kicking 22 points as they wreaked havoc I the scrum to win penalty after penalty, while late tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe put the cherry on the cake for the Springboks.

But the flat feeling among the thousands of English fans inside the International Stadium Yokohama did not dampen what an incredible World Cup Japan has hosted, and after World Rugby made the ambitious decision to take the global gathering to uncharted territory, the tournament has gone down as a huge success from both locals and tourists alike.

For the final time this tournament, Jack de Menezes is joined by Samuel Lovett and Duncan Bech of the Press Association to discuss the final as well as their tournament highlights.

Download the episode here as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or wherever you listen.

The Indy Rugby Podcast will return in 2020 for the start of the Six Nations to kick off series two. Thanks for listening!