South Africa have battled their way into a third Rugby World Cup final with a 19-16 victory over Wales in Yokohama.
Handre Pollard’s goalkicking and a Damian de Allende try proved the difference on Sunday as the Springboks set up a repeat of the 2007 final against England.
At almost every opportunity, Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk sent the ball into the windy Yokohama sky to gain territory, with his big forwards smashing into any red shirt and looked to Pollard to land penalty goals.
Wales, hampered by injuries but desperate to reach their first final, stayed in touch at 9-9 via Dan Biggar’s penalties until De Allende forced his way through for the first try after 57 minutes.
Wales quickly hit back through Josh Adams and it was 16-16 with six minutes to go until South Africa won another penalty that Pollard slotted to win the match.