It was a morning of heartbreak for Rugby fans around the country 24 hours after England fell at the last hurdle in the World Cup Final.

The Red Roses suffered a heavy defeat from South Africa who won the match by 20 points.

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Hundreds of people gathered at Medway Rugby Club, in Priestfields, Rochester for England's first final since losing to the Springboks 12 years earlier, in 2007.

The club was almost full 40 minutes before kick-off as eagerly awaiting fans lapped up the atmosphere for their biggest game in years.

Among the England faithful was mother and son Tracy and Max Bullock.

The pair had travelled to Japan for two of the group games, seeing the team thrash Argentina 39-10 before being disappointed at missing the France game which was cancelled due to an incoming typhoon.

Although the heavens opened as the game got underway the pairs hopes weren't dampened.

"It's an incredible atmosphere in there, just as good as in Japan," Medway Rugby first team player Max said.

"We're all nervous, it's a massive game. We couldn't sleep last night, we were just pacing around. But you look in there and see everyone coming to support the team and it's great.

"You've got everyone involved with club come down, from old players, to the minis teams, the women's team and juniors. It's a massive family at this club and today's shown that.

His mother Tracy added: "It was amazing to be out in Japan and watch a game, but it's just as nice to be back here and be in the club.

"Max was only young the last time we were in the final, and we watched it in London, so it's great to be here and watch it all."

Kiwi Karaan Dunn, 46, swapped allegiences to England after their victory in the semi-final over the All Blacks, and was happy to support his second team.

He said: "I've been here for 20 years, my family's English, so I was always going to support them if we got knocked out.

"I wasn't that nervous today luckily as my nerves came last week."

Tensions were high during the first-half and fans let their thoughts of some controversial decisions from referee Jérôme Garcès.

Despite roaring their team on nearly 6,000 miles away heads began to drop when the Boks got their first try and what was a miserable morning in terms or weather, became miserable for a different reason.

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