England vs South Africa LIVE!

England collapsed to an agonising 16-15 defeat against South Africa at the Stade de France as they allowed a place in Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand to slip from their grasp. Steve Borthwick's men led by nine points in the final quarter but their wet-weather masterclass began to fade as the 'Bomb Squad' made their presence felt for the Springboks, especially in the scrum.

RG Snyman barged over for the only try of the match in the 70th minute and Handre Pollard nailed a tricky conversion, setting up heart-stopping finish to a Test that was enthralling throughout. The world champions were still two points behind but up stepped man-of-the-match Pollard to land the killer blow with two minutes left, nailing a penalty from just inside England's half.

England's players sank to their knees at the final whistle, their hearts broken having given their all in a rematch of the 2019 final despite being distant outsiders, and it was an especially cruel moment for Owen Farrell given his outstanding night.

England vs South Africa highlights

• PENALTY! Early points kicked by Farrell

• DROP GOAL! Farrell makes it 15-6

• TRY! Snyman puts South Africa back in it

• PENALTY! Boks snatch late lead

Thanks for joining us!

22:53 , Marc Mayo

That is that then, for England at the Rugby World Cup.

The Webb Ellis Cup will be heading to South Africa or New Zealand for a fourth time next weekend.

Join us for the Bronze Final on Friday and then the main event a day later.

For now, recap the action with our report as the Springboks break English hearts in Paris!

England player ratings

22:44 , Marc Mayo

The likes of Red Rose captain Owen Farrell and incoming full-back Freddie Steward shone in Paris despite the 16-15 loss.

Steve Borthwick's tactics were largely spot on however the bench failed to hold out a late scrum siege by the Springboks.

Freddie Steward – 9

An imperious showing from the returning full-back, who fully justified his selection but could not quite hold out at the last.

Owen Farrell (capt) – 9

The captain saved his best for the absolutely vital moment, only to fall agonisingly short through absolutely no fault of his own.

Read the full story!

England are back in action soon

22:35 , Marc Mayo

Just six days until England go again, in the Bronze Final against Argentina.

That's back at the Stade de France in Paris with an 8pm BST kick-off on Friday night.

Steve Borthwick gives his take on the game

22:18 , Marc Mayo

"Immense credit to South Africa, the current world champions and world No1s for a reason.

"We're disappointed and as I stand here I think the players should be really proud, and the supporters will be very proud of their team.

"It's too early to be analysing but I thought we did a lot very, very well. We'll reflect and recover.

"We wanted to be in the final but we're not. We'll prepare for Friday night.

"This is a very good group of players, we have seven players in the 23 under-25, the most of any semi-finalist. It's a blend of experience and players who'll be in an England shirt for a long time to come."

England captain Owen Farrell reacts

22:11 , Marc Mayo

"That's a clutch kick if ever I've seen one, fair play to [Pollard].

"We can sit here and pick at it but my overriding feeling is how proud I am - the fight we've shown today and the effort that's been put in.

"This is a last World Cup for some people, who knows what's took to come next but this team has a bright future.

"We've been through it all, from the warm-up games, cards thrown at us, it's been a real rollercoaster. But to show the pride and passion today, I'm unbelievably proud and I hope everyone back home is."

Highlights: South Africa steal the lead late on

22:08 , Marc Mayo

Handre Pollard with nerves of steel.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi reacts

22:04 , Marc Mayo

"All the hard work we've put in, it was ugly today but that's what champions are made of.

"All credit to England, they were written off but showed who they are.

"To my team as well, it was ugly like last week but we found a way. Well done to the boys, really proud.

"We want to thank all the South African people who travelled out for sticking with us."

The final is set

22:00 , Marc Mayo

It's a rematch of 1995 as three-time winners South Africa face three-time winners New Zealand in Paris, next Saturday at 8pm BST.

What a game

21:58 , Marc Mayo

Whoever you support, whatever your emotions... that was one hell of a World Cup semi-final.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

21:54 , Marc Mayo

England throw everything at the final phases, but cannot break down the Boks. South Africa force an England knock-on, and that is that.

England have had their pockets picked there big time. South Africa power on to a second-straight final.

Full time

21:54 , Marc Mayo

Furious words between two sets of players at the death.

Not quite sure why but that is indeed that. England miss out at the last.

England 15-16 South Africa | FULL TIME!

21:53 , Marc Mayo

Into the red we go!

The last push bobbles out. THAT IS IT!

SOUTH AFRICA SNATCH THE WIN AT THE DEATH.

England 15-16 South Africa | 80 mins

21:52 , Marc Mayo

Line-out coming up on the halfway line. It goes long and Farrell grabs it.

Steward drives up the pitch.

This is it! Lawrence next up to push.

They're pushed back into their own half...

England 15-16 South Africa | 79 mins

21:51 , Marc Mayo

Drop-goal specialist George is off the bench for England and the Boks have the ball...

Penalty! England 15-16 South Africa | 78 mins

21:49 , Marc Mayo

Pollard has the tee out. It's not an easy one but it's doable, just inside his own half...

It's good! BOKS LEAD!

England 15-13 South Africa | 77 mins

21:49 , Marc Mayo

Penalty to South Africa!

Genge, off the bench, penalised for dropping to a knee.

England 15-13 South Africa | 76 mins

21:48 , Marc Mayo

England eating time away with a scrum on the halfway line taking a while to be sorted out.

They cannot afford to gift a penalty here.

Highlights: South Africa cut deficit to two

21:46 , Marc Mayo

The only try of the game...

England 15-13 South Africa | 75 mins

21:46 , Marc Mayo

Lawrence arrives for a Boks scrum on their 22 line.

They find Steward with a kick, who sends his effort too high and not far enough.

Big yards gained by the Boks, ahead of a fresh scrum.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

21:44 , Marc Mayo

England’s third scrum penalty conceded hands South Africa the platform for the first try of the match. Pollard punted to the corner, and in a flash the Boks had scored.

Kwagga Smith raced one way, right the whitewash, and when the ball came back England could not stop giant lock Snyman. Pollard’s conversion has England’s lead cut to 15-13.

England 15-13 South Africa | 72 mins

21:42 , Marc Mayo

Farrell's kick is fumbled and Care handled into touch, so not too much of an error from South Africa.

Conversion! England 15-13 South Africa | 70 mins

21:40 , Marc Mayo

Pollard lines up a fairly simple kick from the right and makes it count.

What a final ten minutes ahead...

TRY! England 15-11 South Africa | Snyman, 69'

21:39 , Marc Mayo

Those in gold and green are making themselves heard as we prepare to restart, Curry off for Vunipola as Borthwick reaches for his bench.

Snyman goes over to score!

England 15-6 South Africa | 68 mins

21:38 , Marc Mayo

Advantage to the Springboks for England collapsing the scrum but a pretty instant knock-on will mean Pollard kicking deep into the 22.

Here comes a big set play!

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

21:34 , Marc Mayo

England have conceded two scrum penalties in a row here now after all the changes. That’s giving the Boks a renewed platform.

England 15-6 South Africa | 65 mins

21:34 , Marc Mayo

England win the line-out but the kick is sent straight to Le Roux, and South Africa come again.

Kolbe is smashed by May and the penalty goes to England for not releasing!

England 15-6 South Africa | 64 mins

21:33 , Marc Mayo

We have a South African scrum inside their own half, the set-piece the Boks really want to start dominating if they are to find their way back into it.

They get the penalty on Sinckler, his second defeat to Nche in quick succession, and they kick into the England half.

England 15-6 South Africa | 62 mins

21:29 , Marc Mayo

Line-out comes by the halfway line and Care snaps Nche into touch and the pressure is calmed down.

England 15-6 South Africa | 60 mins

21:27 , Marc Mayo

Borthwick affords a smile as he watches the Red Rose feed.

New man Koch pushes England back but it collapses and we'll have another go.

Then South Africa's drive wins the penalty!

England 15-6 South Africa | 58 mins

21:25 , Marc Mayo

Arendse fumbles a kick right on his try line and England have the scrum!

Can they deliver a killer blow?

Highlights: Farrell drop goal opens up England lead

21:24 , Marc Mayo

A big moment in this game!

England 15-6 South Africa | 57 mins

21:24 , Marc Mayo

Sinckler, out to banish the demons of the 2019 final he doesn't remember, enters for Cole.

A final South Africa change sees Koch on.

England 15-6 South Africa | 56 mins

21:23 , Marc Mayo

A Boks pass bounces off one of their own and England jump on the loose ball.

Care kicks high and South Africa must create from inside their own half, but Steward claims Pollard's kick nicely.

England 15-6 South Africa | 55 mins

21:21 , Marc Mayo

England ruddy love a drop goal at a Rugby World Cup.

Lovely stuff.

The Red Rose fans are making themselves heard at the Stade de France. Their team is now more-than a score in the lead for the first time tonight.

DROP GOAL! England 15-6 South Africa | 53 mins

21:20 , Marc Mayo

Farrell goes for it from range and squeezes it inside the post!

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

21:19 , Marc Mayo

The Boks have made yet more bench changes, with captain Kolisi withdrawn in favour of Kwagga Smith, and Deon Fourie replacing No 8 Duane Vermeulen.

That ought to mean that hooker Mbonambi has to play the whole game.

England 12-6 South Africa | 53 mins

21:19 , Marc Mayo

Chessum, Care and Genge on for Martin, Mitchell and Marler.

Timely England changes responding to South Africa's aggressive tactics.

England 12-6 South Africa | 52 mins

21:18 , Marc Mayo

Good push from South Africa's fresh legs and Pollard chips wide for Kolbe to claim!

A lovely little kick sends Le Roux over the try line... but he can't catch up with it. Into touch and England survive.

England 12-6 South Africa | 51 mins

21:17 , Marc Mayo

Knock-on from Vermeulen from a high ball will allow England to put the ball in from the scrum.

Kolisi, Mbonambi and Vermeulen then depart and Smith has come on into the back row.

Seven changes so far for the Boks! None for England...

England 12-6 South Africa | 49 mins

21:14 , Marc Mayo

Ball bounces out on the halfway line for England to reclaim!

But they don't kick it too far and this game has become a little bit mired.

Nche on for Kitshoff in the Boks scrum.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

21:10 , Marc Mayo

South Africa are not messing about, Talisman Etzebeth has been replaced by RG Snyman, just five minutes into the second half.

England 12-6 South Africa | 47 mins

21:10 , Marc Mayo

George sends in a mystifying line-out, flung right off line and South Africa gain vital yards.

England 12-6 South Africa | 46 mins

21:09 , Marc Mayo

South Africa win the scrum but only kick just outside their 22.

Seyman on for Etzebeth as the Boks bench continues to be unloaded.

England 12-6 South Africa | 45 mins

21:07 , Marc Mayo

This is a big moment.

All the talk at half-time was England holding out in these minutes, instead they are on the attack with Le Roux next off the South African bench before the line-out.

But it's not thrown straight!

England 12-6 South Africa | 44 mins

21:06 , Marc Mayo

Quick change from the Boks as De Klerk comes on for Reinach at scrum half.

England push ahead for a first attack of the half, Mitchell's deep bomb bouncing right back to Itoje after a lovely leap by Farrell.

The kick tests the Boks defence and a slip sends it into touch right on the try line...

England 12-6 South Africa | 42 mins

21:04 , Marc Mayo

Early line-out for South Africa after Mitchell kicks for touch.

It's loose but Kolisi jumps on it, although a poor kick goes nowhere near far enough and England are in possession.

And they win the penalty!

England 12-6 South Africa | Kick-off!

21:02 , Marc Mayo

South Africa out first with a huddle, after a rocket in their dressing room.

They'll get us going in the second half of this Rugby World Cup semi-final.

South Africa far from out of this

20:59 , Marc Mayo

The Springboks have been far from their best but only need six points to tie this game up.

Expect them to come out big in the first minutes of the second half before a fearsome bench is unloaded onto the Saint-Denis pitch.

So far, so good for England

20:58 , Marc Mayo

Borthwick may be drilling into his players right now that South Africa will simply not be that poor in the second half.

Mistakes will be costly, such as Tuilagi causing a scrap in his own 22 and Farrell gifting ten yards for an easy kick.

Otherwise, more of the same is surely the message for England.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:56 , Marc Mayo

England take a 12-6 lead into half-time, after a hugely impressive 40 minutes. Four penalties from Farrell has kept the Boks at bay.

Erasmus was pacing the tunnel in the moments before the break, and the South Africa boss will not be happy with some refereeing calls but Ben O’Keefe appears to be handling things well so far.

Highlights: Owen Farrell kicks England into six-point lead before the break

20:53 , Marc Mayo

Supreme kicking from the fly-half, 100 per cent record in the first half.

England 12-6 South Africa | Half time!

20:48 , Marc Mayo

Pollard goes long and South Africa want to force a penalty in these final exchanges.

Mitchell runs down the clock and just kicks to touch as it hits zero!

Penalty! England 12-6 South Africa | 39 mins

20:46 , Marc Mayo

Not easy for Farrell, out a bit to the right from reasonable range.

No dramas whatsoever though!

England 9-6 South Africa | 38 mins

20:46 , Marc Mayo

Penalty to the Red Rose from a high kick as May is obstructed by Du Toit.

The Springboks fans don't like that given Kolbe won the high ball but the replays show it was clear.

Farrell fancies kicking for three.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:45 , Marc Mayo

England get away with a big mistake, as Vunipola loses the ball forward in contact. Vunipola replaced Curry as a blood sub, and has not found the pace of the game yet.

Pollard slotted a penalty and that cut England’s lead to 9-6, but that was the Boks’ first set of phases in the England 22.

England 9-6 South Africa | 37 mins

20:44 , Marc Mayo

Another solid kick from Pollard at the restart, sending the ball into touch just inside his own half.

A short line-out to Itoje is sent back to George but his kick is too easy to defend.

Penalty! England 9-6 South Africa | 35 mins

20:42 , Marc Mayo

Pollard lines it up, a veritable tap-in for the recently introduced South Africa kicker. No mistakes.

England 9-3 South Africa | 34 mins

20:41 , Marc Mayo

Curry needs a bloodied nose addressed so Vunipola enters off the bench before a Boks line-out on the halfway line.

Daly drops a kick but it goes backwards and England hang on...

Vunipola then gives it away to Reinach! Major chance for South Africa with offside advantage.

Loose ball and it'll come back to the Boks.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:38 , Marc Mayo

Mannie Libbok has been hooked on half an hour here, with Handre Pollard coming on. That is absolutely brutal from Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber.

England 9-3 South Africa | 32 mins

20:37 , Marc Mayo

Libbock is taken off for Pollard!

WOW. That is an EARLY change. Brutal. Ruthless.

England 9-3 South Africa | 31 mins

20:36 , Marc Mayo

Etzebeth makes up for his error by plucking the line-out back to South African hands.

A high-but-not-far kick lands nicely for Steward though... but England can't make the most of it.

Offside advantage against Marler is taken after Libbok drops it.

England 9-3 South Africa | 30 mins

20:35 , Marc Mayo

Penalty for offside as Etzebeth breaks out too early to chase Mitchell after England win the scrum.

Farrell punts into touch. This is almost all going England's way.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:33 , Marc Mayo

Farrell backchat gifts the Boks their first points, as England being marched back 10 metres allows Libbok to convert a penalty.

England go straight back however, with Farrell landing his third goal for a 9-3 lead.

Willemse threw a pass to no one under pressure from Steward’s tackle and Lawes snaffled the loose ball.

England 9-3 South Africa | 28 mins

20:32 , Marc Mayo

The penalty goes to touch and, just outside the 22, it's not straight!

How many errors do South Africa want to commit in this half?

England have to make the most of it and put some more scores on the board.

England 9-3 South Africa | 27 mins

20:31 , Marc Mayo

Arendse delivers the Boks first line break of the game but Lawes delivers another monumental turnover!

Mitchell kicks and Daly batters Vermeluen to the ground! Mega hit.

Marler is then caught from a Boks penalty.

Penalty! England 9-3 South Africa | 24 mins

20:29 , Marc Mayo

Libbok made a good kick to get South Africa on the board but he was slow to Willemse's loose offload from that play.

Farrell will take the three... Nicely done!

England 6-3 South Africa | 23 mins

20:27 , Marc Mayo

The ball goes loose in the Boks half and England can turn up the pressure!

England penalty advantage... Farrell kicks wide and Daly just can't grab it.

Penalty! England 6-3 South Africa | 21 mins

20:25 , Marc Mayo

Big pressure on Libbok to get going from his first kick of the match...

It's good! Springboks on the board.

England 6-0 South Africa | 20 mins

20:24 , Marc Mayo

Farrell is again in the referee's ear after a penalty to South Africa from a high kick.

The England captain may need to reel it in a bit, with Libbok now to try for the three.

England 6-0 South Africa | 19 mins

20:23 , Marc Mayo

Kitshoff gives away a penalty from the scrum and England drag the ball off their try line, Farrell kicking to touch.

Kitshoff was error-prone against France and has made a pretty similar start here.

England keep hold of it from the line-out and Mitchell's high kick is well held by Arendse.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:21 , Marc Mayo

South Africa are rattled.

They only indulge in grappling after the whistle when things are not going their way. England have nullified their maul twice now. A big, big start for Steve Borthwick’s men.

England 6-0 South Africa | 17 mins

20:21 , Marc Mayo

Scrum to England after a mega tackle by Martin!

That's another big moment for Borthwick's men as Mostert was smashed going for the line.

England 6-0 South Africa | 16 mins

20:20 , Marc Mayo

Tuilagi is pulled up for causing that scrap and a penalty is given to South Africa.

Farrell really not happy with that judgement and Libbok kicks to touch again.

England 6-0 South Africa | 15 mins

20:18 , Marc Mayo

Libbok kicks to touch, shunning three points and taking a line-out inside the attacking 22.

Etzebeth claims it well but England turn it over!

The crowd go wild and we have a bit of a scrap between the players, the Red Rose are right under their opponents' skin here...

The referee has a chat with the captains to calm it down.

England 6-0 South Africa | 14 mins

20:17 , Marc Mayo

England turnover at the maul! Major battle won inside their own half.

But an offside chase allows South Africa a penalty. Lawes caught.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:15 , Marc Mayo

The Boks are too eager at a ruck again, and Farrell bangs over his second penalty. England looking physical and composed, in a fine start.

England 6-0 South Africa | 13 mins

20:14 , Marc Mayo

Farrell is vocal standing over the Springboks breakdown and South Africa kick into England's 22.

England win it and prepare to go long.

They send it into touch just inside their own half.

Penalty! England 6-0 South Africa | 10 mins

20:12 , Marc Mayo

Dead easy under the posts for Farrell and England have made a very tidy start!

England 3-0 South Africa | 9 mins

20:11 , Marc Mayo

Earl runs off the scrum and England are in great position...

Penalty for the Red Rose! Ruck and fall goes England's way after Mitchell's delay and Farrell will kick an easy three.

England 3-0 South Africa | 8 mins

20:09 , Marc Mayo

Good kick from Mitchell pushes South Africa into their own corner and the line-out throw isn't straight!

England will feed a big early scrum...

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

20:08 , Marc Mayo

A good, scrapping start from England, with Du Toit pinged trying to steal a ball at a ruck and Farrell slotting the penalty. Itoje then plundered a Springbok lineout. A start to settle a few Red Rose nerves.

England 3-0 South Africa | 7 mins

20:07 , Marc Mayo

South Africa can feed a scrum off a knock-on and this is exactly where they'll hope to dominate and drain their opponents.

Reinach moves it on and the Boks kick high... Steward wins it well.

England 3-0 South Africa | 5 mins

20:04 , Marc Mayo

Libbok kicks wide from the restart and Itoje is lifted high to win it.

England kick and Daly palms a ball into touch.

The Boks line-out is won by Itoje!

Penalty! England 3-0 South Africa | 3 mins

20:03 , Marc Mayo

Red Rose on the board!

Farrell steadies himself and clips it gently over.

England 0-0 South Africa | 2 mins

20:02 , Marc Mayo

England get hands to an early high kick and win a penalty right in the centre of the pitch!

Farrell will kick for three!

England vs South Africa: Kick-off!

20:00 , Marc Mayo

It's a bit damp, a bit chilly and very, very atmospheric in the Stade de France.

England kick off and we're underway in this Rugby World Cup semi-final!

A reminder of the teams

19:59 , Marc Mayo

South Africa unchanged, England with Freddie Steward at full-back.

South Africa up next

19:57 , Marc Mayo

Plenty of Springboks fans in the stands tonight, their national anthem perhaps not quite as loud as England's due to being a bit outnumbered.

A top effort nonetheless.

Time for the national anthems

19:56 , Marc Mayo

First up we have 'God Save The King' with lots of England fans in the stadium to join the players in belting it out.

Here come the players!

19:54 , Marc Mayo

Siya Kolisi is joined by England's players as he begins his traditional 'gwijo' pre-game song.

And here they come on the Stade de France pitch!

How to beat the Boks: Four routes to an England win

19:53 , Marc Mayo

England face one of rugby’s most daunting and difficult tasks, in attempting to dislodge South Africa for a place in the Rugby World Cup Final.

Here, we examine four keys to victory for the Red Rose men...

Read the full story!

All eyes on Freddie Steward

19:52 , Marc Mayo

When South Africa hoist the ball high into the Paris night in tonight's Rugby World Cup semi-final, time will almost stand still for Freddie Steward.

The England full-back will launch himself off the ground in pursuit of the ball — and suddenly everything will slow to a crawl.

Steward describes his process of claiming high balls as one where as soon as he leaves the ground, events move in slow motion.

The Red Rose No15 will rise and aim to make a clean claim, and the moment his feet return to dry land, the game will whizz back up to full speed.

Read the full story!

Ten-minute warning

19:50 , Marc Mayo

Are you ready for England vs South Africa?

These fans are!

England vs South Africa: Countdown to kick-off

19:48 , Marc Mayo

Nick is in position and looks ahead to tonight's game at the Stade de France.

Key clash: Manu Tuilagi vs Damian de Allende

19:45 , Marc Mayo

Two power centres will collide — and something has to give. This could be a case of whoever blinks first loses.

Neither man will give an inch, but both will be out to take a mile. Witness the gainline slugfest in all its old-school glory here, as both teams set out to pummel the other into submission.

Lawrence Dallaglio column

19:42 , Marc Mayo

The England legend has written for Standard Sport with his advice for the Red Rose: Think of 2019 and unleash all that hurt.

Read the full story!

Big night for Mannie Libbok

19:39 , Marc Mayo

The Springboks have kept faith in the 26-year-old on kicking duties tonight, with Handre Pollard a pretty handy alternative off the bench.

Key clash: Maro Itoje vs Eben Etzebeth

19:36 , Marc Mayo

Itoje has been a real warrior for the best part of a generation now. The 28-year-old has had to fend off an unspecified issue that hindered his progress in the last year, but has hit back to top shape at the World Cup.

Itoje believes his best is yet to come at this tournament, and he expects to deliver tomorrow. Etzebeth is the world’s premier enforcer these days, though, and will be out to subdue Itoje and, by extension, England.

Nick Purewal at Stade de France

19:32 , Marc Mayo

A man playing Phantom of the Opera... in Opera Metro station, England and South Africa fans swarming the trains... a rain-filled sky under a bristling Stade de France... it is all there for this World Cup semi-final.

Last night’s one-sided victory for New Zealand over Argentina failed to do justice to the two stunning quarter-finals in Paris.

This tournament desperately needs a classic tonight. But can England deliver one? Are Steve Borthwick’s men up to the physical onslaught that the Springboks will deliver.

England have reached their tournament par, but now need to conjure a performance for the ages to stand chance of victory.

How it went down last night

19:29 , Marc Mayo

New Zealand pumped Argentina to book their place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

They will face tonight's winner in Paris this time next week.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website