England coach Brian Ashton says his players should be proud of what they have achieved at the Rugby World Cup despite their 15-6 final defeat to South Africa in Paris.
After remarkable and surprising upset wins of Australia and France
in the quarters and semifinals, England's bid to defend its World Cup
title ultimately fell at the final hurdle as the Springboks kicked five penalties
to England’s two.
However, Ashton preferred to focus on the World Cup as a whole, particularly England's climb up from the bottom of the scrapheap after being smashed 36-0 by South Africa in their pool game last month.
"They did fantastically well getting into the final," Ashton said.
"In days to come, they'll reflect on what they've done and be really proud of themselves.
