It's heartbreak

England go so close but Springboks steal it

- ADAM HATHAWAY

OWEN Farrell predicted great things for England despite their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to the holders, and world number ones, South Africa in Paris last night. 

Leicester fly-half Handre Pollard put the Springboks through to Saturday’s final against New Zealand with a 78th minute penalty that spelled the end for Steve Borthwick’s men as they lost 16-15.

England put in their best display under head coach Borthwick as they went toe-to-toe with the South Africans and were leading 15-6 with 11 minutes to go.

But a try from replacement lock RG Snyman and Pollard’s nerveless finish condemned England to a third place play-off against Argentina on Friday.

And Farrell tipped his hat to Pollard who was thrown on by a panic-stricken South African coaching group for Manie Libbok after just 31 minutes.