The Harlequins tighthead prop was having a superb World Cup but did not last long in the final.
Kyle Sinckler has proved himself to be one of the world’s best No.3s over these past two months but he only lasted two minutes of the final in Yokohama.
A sickening, accidental collision with England teammate Maro Itoje, as both men tackled Makazole Mapimpi, did for Sinckler and he was left sparked on the pitch.
Ahead of the game, Sinckler was understandably looking nervous and there was a large bin strategically placed beside him in the England dressing room.
Sinckler joined his teammates for a rousing rendition of the English anthem but it was South Africa that started brighter.
Handre Pollard missed an early penalty and when Mapimpi took the ball up-field, when Owen Farrell kicked long, Itoje and Sinckler combined for the tackle.
Itoje’s elbow made a thudding connection with Sinckler’s temple and that was his game over:
https://twitter.com/AFP_Sport/status/1190558233620078598
What a shame for Kyle Sinckler. To go off so early in a World Cup final must be heartbreaking.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 2, 2019
Kyle Sinckler knocked out of the biggest game of his life after just two minutes. Poor guy. Heart-breaking for him.
This is going to be a brutal Final. #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/OMM2V7qubH— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 2, 2019
Less than three minutes gone and the game was held up for several more as Sinckler received treatment on the pitch.
He did eventually come around and was able to walk off the pitch, with assistance nearby, but he would not return. Leicester pop Dan Cole replaced him and would be tasked with finishing out the remaining 77 minutes.
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The latest episode sees Andrew Trimble and Jerry Flannery look back on the GOOD vs. EVIL World Cup semi finals and this weekend’s final.