Rugby World Cup 2019 | TSN

Ben Smith scored two vintage tries before halftime, Keiran Read did a power of work and Sonny Bill Williams produced a pair of trademark offloads as three veteran All Blacks went into retirement with a bronze medal to add to their previous Rugby World Cup titles.

It was attritional, it was error-strewn, it was mostly an ugly kick-fest. It was pretty much exactly what was forecast. The Springboks won't care: They're into the Rugby World Cup final again.

All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams continues to be linked with the Toronto Wolfpack, this time with a bumper contract offer.

After shocking the two-time defending champions with a try to Manu Tuilagi in the second minute, England didn't retreat one bit. And four years after being unceremoniously dumped out in the group stage of the World Cup it was hosting, England reached its first final in 12 years with a 19-7 upset over New Zealand.

There was no great shock this time, regardless of how much Japan threw at the Springboks. South Africa advanced to the semifinals with a grinding 26-3 win over Japan on Sunday, bringing an end to the home team's entertaining run at the first Rugby World Cup staged in Asia.

Once again, a red card proved pivotal in a Rugby World Cup knockout match between Wales and France decided by just one point. The Welsh were the beneficiaries this time.

It's one thing to beat the All Blacks in Chicago or Dublin. It's an entirely different challenge taking them on in the Rugby World Cup, where they feel right at home.