Voice of London

With less than 24 hours to go until England and South Africa kick off the Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama, and with third place decided earlier today, all eyes will be on them.

So whether you are watching the sport for the first time, or have followed every match, here’s all the important details needed to be fully prepared for the final, whatever the outcome.

The Basics

A match consists of two 40-minute halves.

Each team includes 15 players divided into two groups, the forwards and backs.

Players can run forwards with the ball, or kick it forwards, but can only throw it backwards.

Points

Try: a player gets the ball down behind the opponent’s goal.
Worth: five points

Conversion: after scoring a try a player attempts to kick the ball through the goal.
Worth: two points

Penalty Kick: awarded when opponents cause a violation.
Worth: three points

Drop Goal: player drops the ball and lets it bounce before kicking it towards the goal.
Worth: three points

The Fight to the Final

England beat Tonga, the United States, and Argentina to finish at the top of their pool table with 17 points.

Their match against France was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis, but each team received two points to reflect a draw.

They then beat Australia and New Zealand to make the final.

South Africa came second in their pool table after losing to New Zealand, but won against Namibia, Italy and Canada.

The Springboks saw off hosts Japan in the quarter-finals and Wales in the semi-final.

The Captains

England
Name: Owen Farrell
Age: 28
Position: Fly-Half
Caps: 78

South Africa
Name: Siya Kolisi
Age: 28
Position: Blindside Flanker
Caps: 49

Previous Encounters

The 2019 final is a repeat of the 2007 final, where South Africa were victorious against England, who failed to reach the final again until this year.

South Africa have also won the World Cup on two occasions, while England have only managed it once — in 2003.

Where and When

Kick-off is at 9am GMT on Saturday 2nd November.

ITV will start coverage at 8am GMT, but many venues in London will also be showing the match, including Rileys Sports Bar, Boxpark at Shoreditch and Wembley, and The Bat and Ball at Westfield Stratford.

Voice of London will also be covering the action right here and on Twitter.

Words: Alysia Georgiades | Subbing: Niamh Hutchings | Featured image images: Alysia Georgiades