Heartbroken England stars arrive at Heathrow after having Rugby World Cup dreams dashed by South Africa
ENGLAND’S defeated rugby stars touched down at Heathrow today after Saturday morning’s painful World Cup final defeat to South Africa.
Eddie Jones’ men never got going in Yokohama as they were bullied by the super Springboks and crashed to a 32-12 defeat.
Jones and captain Owen Farrell led their team through the arrivals gate early on Thursday afternoon.
And while most players mustered a smile for the waiting crowd, the disappointment could be seen on everyone’s faces.
Glum smiles were the order of the day as the defeated squad trudged off the plane.
Harlequins prop Joe Marler was spotted with an enormous neck pillow draped around his shoulders.
And Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola bore signs of Saturday’s physical barrage – sporting a cut above his bruised right eye.
Semi-final hero Maro Itoje managed a genuine smile as he pushed his luggage along with England branded headphones.
But the rest of the squad, understandably, looked like they wanted to get out of there in a hurry.
England were kicked to death in the final catastrophe.
In a horrific performance littered by errors and a shoddy scrum, Jones’ side were out-muscled by the giant South Africans who went on to lift their third crown.
It was a record equalling fourth final for England – but also a landmark defeat too, as they became the second country to lose three finals along with France.
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There was no revenge for 2007, when the Boks bashed up England in France to lift the Webb Ellis Cup 12-years ago.
Instead, just more hurt and frustration.
Perhaps Warren Gatland was right, too, and they did play their final in the superb semi win against New Zealand.