It’s been twelve years since the Springbok outmanoeuvred England to win their second Rugby World Cup, and the two rugby powerhouses will meet again in this year’s much-anticipated final in Japan.
Should the Springboks emerge victorious, they will be the first team to lose a game during the tournament and still win the cup.
As fans were asking if this would be yet another triumph for the Springboks or if the English would finally get their revenge this is how it all went down. In pictures.
Faf de Klerk performs a box kick as Dan Cole and Courtney Lawes of England attempt to charge down. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Siya Kolisi, Tendai Mtawarira, Mbongeni Mbonambi and Frans Malherbe sing the national anthem prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Kyle Sinckler of England receives treatment within the first few minutes of the game. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Handre Pollard of South Africa kicks a penalty during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa is tackled by Elliot Daly of England. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Courtney Lawes of England is tackled by Siya Kolisi and Mbongeni Mbonambi. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mbongeni Mbonambi receives medical treatment during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Mbongeni Mbonambi receives medical treatment during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Billy Vunipola of England is tackled by Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Replacement Joe Marler of England looks on from the touchline during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Jonny May of England is tackled by Cheslin Kolbe and Handre Pollard of South Africa as he attempts to the pass the ball. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Owen Farrell of England speaks with referee Jerome Garces during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Owen Farrell of England kicks to score his team's second penalty. Picture: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Cyril Ramaphosa is seen in the stands next to Fujio Mitarai, 2019 Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee chairperson, during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa at International Stadium Yokohama on November 2 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
England's Owen Farrell kicks a penalty during the Rugby World Cup final . Picture: Christophe Ena/AP
South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi scores their first try during the Rugby World Cup final in Japan. Picture: Peter Cziborra /Reuters
Cheslin Kolbe celebrates after scoring his teams second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Final between England and South Africa. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
South Africa fans celebrate at Pirates Rugby Club in Johannesburg, after their team's victory in the Rugby World Cup final against England. South Africa defeated England 32-12. Picture: Jerome Delay/AP Photo
Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis cup as he goes to collect his runners-up medal after defeat in the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
South Africa fans celebrate at Vilakazi street in Soweto after their team's victory in the Rugby World Cup final. Picture: Themba Hadebe/AP
Siya Kolisi of South Africa lifts the Webb Ellis cup following his team's victory against England in the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images