South Africa win third Rugby World Cup

ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP

South Africa have won the 2019 Rugby World Cup after thrashing England in an action-packed final in Japan.

It's the third time the Springboks have won the event and the first time since 2007. 

Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe scored tries for South Africa in the 32 -12 victory at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

Rassie Erasmus' side beat hosts Japan in the quarter-finals before getting the better of Wales in the semis to reach the finals. 

On Friday New Zealand beat Wales 40-17 to take third place.

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