Rugby World Cup in pictures: Tactical masterclass that hints at Springboks changes
No faffing about
The Springboks wasted little time getting Faf De Klerk onto the field in their Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Just three minutes into the second half, Cobus Reinach was subbed off with South Africa trailing 12-6.
Alongside Handre Pollard, the wee halfback starred in the comeback win to defeat England at the death, 16-15.
De Klerk was one of several early changes that flipped the momentum of the semi final, leading to speculation that he would be brought into the starting side for the final.
Smith lives to see another day
After another close-fought knock-out, there were jubilant scenes for Aaron Smith.
Against Ireland, he broke down in tears. Against Argentina, he was over the moon as the Kiwis stormed toward the final with a 44-6 win.
While the Springboks injected venom into their line-up after half-time, the All Blacks were able to take some of their best performers off the park early.
Might that energy saved help New Zealand edge South Africa in the final?
England's agony
There was to be no fairytale end for England.
Despite a dream run by Steve Borthwick's men, they fell short at the final hurdle.
Here, Freddie Steward's face sums up the feeling of everyone on the side of the red roses.
Will Jordan?
Will Jordan is just one away from breaking the record for most tries in a Rugby World Cup.
As it stands, the record is shared between Jordan, the late Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana, and Julian Savea with eight tries.
Jordan almost broke nine against Argentina. A hat-trick nearly became a four-peat when he found himself in clear air on the wing.
However, Richie Mo'unga held onto the ball and starved Jordan of that try-scoring opportunity.
Pumas poached
Nicolas Sanchez (right) of Argentina covers his face after his side's loss to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Argentina were demolished 44-6 at Stade de France, unable to score a solitary try and trouble the scorers.
They'll faced England in the bronze final.
King Kolisi
Siya Kolisi embraces his daughter at full-time after South Africa's win over England.
Kolisi was among those substituted off early in the second half, replaced by Kwagga Smith.
The captain was left to watch on from the sidelines as his reserves stole an incredible comeback win.
The end for England
Ollie Chessum (left) and Freddie Steward (right) of England are consoled by members of the crowd at full-time.
England were bona fide underdogs coming into the tournament having been sixth in the World Rugby rankings.
Chin up
Steve Borthwick led England to an unlikely semi-final berth at the Rugby World Cup.
Here, he gazes out on Stade de France after his side's loss to South Africa.
Many doubted Borthwick's ability, especially given their wretched run in the lead-up to the tournament, which included a historic loss to Fiji.
Ireland reign ends
After 15 months atop the World Rugby men's rankings, Ireland have been dethroned.
Their defeat to New Zealand in one quarter-final and South Africa's win over France in another has flipped the script.
The Springboks sit atop the pile on 92.48 points just ahead of the All Blacks (90.91) and Ireland a close third (90.57).
Ireland and France both fall two spots apiece, with the latter now fourth overall.
Bundee bundled out
If there was ever a time Ireland might win a World Cup, it was to be 2023.
Instead, their wretched run of quarter-final exits continued.
The cruel irony for Bundee Aki is having his dream dashed by his birth country.
Aki played Super Rugby for the Chiefs but moved to Ireland to play for Connacht in 2014.
He could have represented New Zealand or Samoa, but qualified to play for Ireland on residency grounds.
