Referee Ben O’Keefe tackled by an English world champion

Former England international Lawrence Dallaglio blamed referee Ben O’Keefe for awarding the Springboks victory after XV De La Rose lost to South Africa in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup (15-16).

Ben O’Keeffe’s shows continue to get people talking. Although the French blamed him for a number of mistakes in their quarter-final loss to South Africa by one point on October 15, the English – players and spectators alike – were more sensible of the jury after their semi-final defeat this weekend. , despite an incredible situation and a dangerous penalty from Handré Pollard two minutes from the final whistle (15-16). Almost all of them, anyway.

>> Relive England-South Africa (15-16)

Lawrence Dallaglio, the 2003 world champion with XV de la Rose (85 caps), did not hesitate to make his voice heard about the New Zealander’s performance. “Ben O’Keefe is going to be the talking point because he won the game, not South Africa,” said the former international hotshot flanker. ITV, before going soft on social networks. “I am very proud of the effort of all the England players. They deserve a huge amount of credit for keeping the world champions close,” he wrote. X.

“Soldiers should be proud”

As for the staff, Steve Borthwick leaves the match with a smile on his face, reminding us that his team is still young. “We had the ambition to win this match but it didn’t come very far and we didn’t. We can be proud of our performance. There were seven players from the top 25 on the match sheet. Years or less, that’s it. There’s a better balance in this group than any other semi-final, And we can learn many lessons from this match,” said the manager of XV de la Rose. “We were in a semi-final against the reigning world champions and the number one team in the world. They are top for a reason, with great players and a lot of experience. Millions of people in front of them were on TV. We saw a match of great intensity around the world, which unfortunately did not go in our favour. “I’m always proud of these players and proud to be working for England. A lot of little guys will be disappointed back home, but they know this group of players did everything they could.”

All Points editor Owen Farrell is “proud” of his team despite the many setbacks they have faced in recent months. “Everything didn’t go our way, everything was thrown at us, it was a roller coaster, I’m happy we built but I’m disappointed we didn’t have a chance. Have to enjoy the big match (final) next week.”

England, who missed out on a fifth World Cup final, must pull themselves together to win bronze against Argentina in Stade de France (9pm) on Friday evening to complete their collection of international charms since the 2003 title. Three silver medals (1991, 2007, 2019).