The Boks also lost two key forwards in hooker Bongi Mbonambi and Lood de Jager but the Bok scrum was dominant to the point of milking two penalties that Pollard converted.
England also lost tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler to injury and his experienced replacement Dan Cole had no response to the Bok scrumming power.
This was seen on the stroke of halftime where the Boks bested the England scrum. Pollard landed the fourth kick, following the other ones in the 25th and 36th minutes to give the Boks a decisive lead while Farrell responded with a 34th-minute penalty.
The Bok defence also held up well, absorbing more than 20 phases to concede just a penalty.
Half time | Boks lead England in Rugby World Cup final
Through Handré Pollard's four penalties, South Africa took a 12-6 lead against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama.
South Africa enjoyed a surfeit of possession and territory and should have taken an early 3-0 lead, but Pollard missed a second-minute penalty.
Fortunately, the Boks didn't have to worry as Pollard landed a ninth-minute penalty to give SA a 3-0 lead. England responded through an Owen Farrell penalty in the 21st minute to level the scores.
The Boks also lost two key forwards in hooker Bongi Mbonambi and Lood de Jager but the Bok scrum was dominant to the point of milking two penalties that Pollard converted.
England also lost tighthead prop Kyle Sinckler to injury and his experienced replacement Dan Cole had no response to the Bok scrumming power.
This was seen on the stroke of halftime where the Boks bested the England scrum. Pollard landed the fourth kick, following the other ones in the 25th and 36th minutes to give the Boks a decisive lead while Farrell responded with a 34th-minute penalty.
The Bok defence also held up well, absorbing more than 20 phases to concede just a penalty.