South Africa hung on to beat New Zealand in a tense 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris, and in doing so they became the first side to win the tournament for a fourth time.
The All Blacks entered the contest as slight favourites following a comprehensive 44-6 victory against Argentina, while the Springboks reached Saturday’s showpiece event after a last-minute penalty secured them a narrow 16-15 win over England.
South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi suffered a nightmare start to the match as a knee injury forced the hooker off after only four minutes, four years after he lasted only 20 minutes in the 2019 World Cup final. New Zealand’s Shannon Frizell was shown a yellow card for causing Mbonambi’s injury, but worse was to come for the All Blacks when captain Sam Cane was sent off for a dangerous tackle on the Springboks’ Jesse Kriel, and South Africa led 12-6 at half-time.
A Beauden Barrett try pulled New Zealand back to within one point of their rivals, but the All Blacks couldn’t find anything more, and they went down 12-11 as the Springboks retained their crown.
Follow all the reaction from the final below.
New Zealand vs South Africa live
New Zealand take on defending champions South Africa at Stade de France | ITV1
Both teams vying to become the first nation to win the tournament on four occasions
PENALTY! New Zealand 0-3 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 3 minutes)
PENALTY! New Zealand 0-6 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 13 minutes)
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-6 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga, 17 minutes)
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 19 minutes)
RED CARD! All Blacks captain Sam Cane has his yellow upgraded for a high tackle
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-12 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 34 minutes)
PENALTY! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga, 38 minutes)
Half-time! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
TRY! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (Beauden Barrett, 58 minutes)
Full-time! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
South Africa become kings of rugby with dramatic World Cup win over greatest rivals
23:06 , Mike Jones
In a Rugby World Cup that has treated us to some of the greatest matches the tournament has ever seen, the final provided the most fitting of conclusions. It won’t be remembered as a beacon of error-free perfection but the two greatest rugby nations on earth combined to produce a showpiece that was unbelievably compelling in its flaws and delivered almost impossible drama until the very last second.
South Africa and New Zealand entered as three-time winners of this tournament, a storied rivalry dating back over a century, a previous final that produced the sport’s most iconic image and with the victors able to seize a record fourth title and arguably the moniker of undisputed champions. Somehow, someway the Springboks prevailed 12-11 in a ludicrous finale and confirmed themselves as the ultimate tournament animals.
Long live the kings.
South Africa become kings of rugby with dramatic World Cup win over greatest rivals
Sam Cane, Siya Kolisi and a tale of two captains at the heart of this Rugby World Cup final
22:48 , Mike Jones
Siya Kolisi charged on to the pitch with arms out wide, desperate for someone, anyone, to hug. Bongi Mbonambi was the first brought into his embrace, South Africa’s hooker having begun this game limping off with a knee injury now in cavorts, cock-a-hoop with the Springboks champions again.
Kolisi broke away in search of Cheslin Kolbe, finding the wing down on one knee in prayer. Kolbe had been able to watch the final moments, burying his head in his shirt like a child beneath a duvet, fearing his deliberate knock-on might cost Springboks back-to-back victories. His captain offered an arm on the shoulder before wrapping Kolbe up in a celebratory cuddle. After a night of madcap magnificence, South Africa had clung on.
All the while, Sam Cane remained seated, eyes shut, letting the pain wash over him. Cane had been a picture of focus emerging from the tunnel ahead of kick off, eyes fixed on the Webb Ellis Cup. That famous number seven was cast in vivid white against the deepness of the black shirt on his back as he gathered his side pre-match, taking pride of place at the front of the haka.
Sam Cane, Siya Kolisi and a tale of two captains at the heart of this World Cup final
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
23:12 , Mike Jones
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
23:03 , Mike Jones
New Zealand captain, Sam Cane, speaking after the match:
“Obviously extremely gutted and disappointed, first of all, the boys had to play with 14 men for the last 50 minutes, the courage they showed, incredible, the team is full of absolute warriors, it’s tough.
“I’d like to say well done to South Africa. Back-to-back, they had a heck of a tough road to the final.”
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
23:00 , Mike Jones
Faf de Klerk stopped by ITV to chat about winning the World Cup, again.
“Very special, very blessed, I don’t know what to say.” He said, “Never say die attitude, it’s something we’ve always had.
“We started unbelievably well, NZ going down to 14 men was a bad thing for us, they upped their game, just proud of the team. Hopefully it represents unity, what teamwork can do.
“A lot is lacking in our country. People from all races and backgrounds, supporting one goal, something we can learn in every day life. To make a better country and a better world.”
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:56 , Mike Jones
Here’s some post-match reaction from Siya Kolisi who was as inspiring as always with his thoughts about how winning a World Cup can transform South Africa.
£There’s so much going wrong in our country, we are the last line of defence.” He said, “There’s so much division in the country, it is possible to work together as South Africans, not just on the rugby field, but in life in general.
“We can’t go away from that, 1995, without that I wouldn’t be here.
“For people who look like me. I’ve got a job to give whatever I can to the jersey, to show they can get opportunities like this.”
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:52 , Mike Jones
Sam Warburton on New Zealand skipper, Sam Cane, getting sent off: “I think Sam Cane has been a phenomenal player, it’s one of those things you get wrong.
“He’s one of the best 7s, it’s not the reason why they lost a the World Cup. It’s not the end for him. A phenomenal captain and servant for New Zealand.”
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:44 , Mike Jones
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:36 , Mike Jones
Now it’s the Springboks’ turn to receive their medals. The rain is coming down again but it is not diminishing the smiles on the faces of the triumphant South Africans.
Siya Kolisi is the final player to stride onto the stage. The captain, the leader, the talisman of this heroic side walks up to the Rugby World Cup trophy…
… and hoists it aloft! South Africa are world champions for a second consecutive tournament. It’s their fourth triumphant it total.
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:30 , Mike Jones
Jonny Wilkinson was full of praise for New Zealand’s Jordie Barrett, who missed a long kick to put the All Blacks ahead in the closing stages, in the immediate aftermath of the final saying:
“The quality of his performance, he stepped up high when they went to 14, he nullified the one-man deficit, it’s tough, it’s so, so tough.
“You know you gave it everything. It’s a shot, it’s a long shot. You expect them to go over, more than 50 and at an angle. It wasn’t far away.
“He can be immensely happy with what he brought to the team.”
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:28 , Mike Jones
The New Zealand players are heading up the podium for the worst walk in sport. They collect their runners-up medals with grace, a few tears and looks of bitter disappointment.
They cam so close to winning this World Cup. One point and a few inches to the right from Jordie Barrett’s kick and the trophy was theirs.
New Zealand v South Africa player ratings: Pieter-Steph du Toit leads Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory
22:26 , Mike Jones
South Africa became the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup on four separate occasions as they edged out a 14-man New Zealand 12-11 in Paris.
South Africa flew out the blocks in the opening period, with Pollard kicking three penalties before the All Blacks were dealt a major blow as captain Sam Cane became the first person to be sent off in a World Cup final after a high tackle.
New Zealand, however, rallied back after the break despite the disadvantage, with Beauden Barrett’s try bringing them back within touching distance but the Springboks would hold on to successfully defend their title.
Here is how the players rated in the Rugby World Cup final.
New Zealand v South Africa player ratings: Pieter-Steph du Toit stars for Springboks
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:22 , Mike Jones
Oh my, some of the match stats are coming through now. New Zealand made 93 tackles in that final while South Africa made 209.
That’s more than double the All Blacks. What a performance from the Springboks and what a massive fight from New Zealand who did all that with 14-men for the majority of the game.
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:18 , Mike Jones
South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit was given the Player of the Match award for his impressive 28 tackles and deteminism to keep New Zealand at bay.
He said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege, it was tough, each one a final, each one by one point. As a team we like drama, the last few years, I think it shows the resilience of the team.
“For all of South Africa, we’re honoured to play for the Springboks, we want to thank everybody for supporting us. 64 million South Africans are supporting us.”
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:13 , Mike Jones
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:10 , Mike Jones
South Africa won their quarter-final, semi-final and now the World Cup final all by a single point.
That is crazy isn’t it? Has their ever been a better or closer run to a World Cup triumph? It probably will never happen again.
South Africa defeat New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup
22:06 , Mike Jones
The Springboks are back-to-back World Cup champions. They’ve edged all three knockout matches by just one point. They becomea the first team to win four World Cups.
South Africa have never lost a World Cup final and by the barest of margins, they get over the line once again.
Full-time! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
22:04 , Mike Jones
80+1 minutes: There it is! South Africa hold on and win the Rugby World Cup for a record fourth time!
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
22:04 , Mike Jones
80 minutes: Kwagga Smith makes a steal for South Africa before Kriel kicks the ball away.
The All Blacks run it back with McKenzie throwing a step and getting into space. Savea receives it and tries to throw the offload but the ball goes forward.
South Africa scrum. This should be it…
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
22:01 , Mike Jones
78 minutes: The All Blacks get into space with Papal’i breaking into stride on the wing but the big flanker is expertly tap tackled by the covering Faf de Klerk.
This is so tense.
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:57 , Mike Jones
77 minutes: Pieter-Steph du Toit catches an offload and comes down the left wing before getting hit. He sends the ball back to Faf de Klerk who fumbles it and gives New Zealand a scrum, deep in their own half.
This will take some doing to get the ball up the pitch.
Three minutes to go.
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:53 , Mike Jones
74 minutes: Jordie Barrett leathers his boot through the ball for the penalty and has the range but the accuracy isn’t there. He pushes the kick wide to the left and New Zealand remain behind in the game.
Six minutes to play. Both teams have 14 players on the pitch now.
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:52 , Mike Jones
73 minutes: This could be a game changer. Cheslin Kolbe is flagged by the TMO as performing a deliberate knock on to stop the All Blacks flying down the wing and potentially getting a try.
Kolbe is shown as yellow card and his final is over. New Zealand win a penalty and are going to kick for goal. This is a long, long way out though.
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:46 , Mike Jones
70 minutes: 10 minutes to play in this crucial final at the Stade de France. After a blockbusting and intense 20 minutes in the second half, things have settled down in favour of South Africa.
Tactical kicks, chases, tackles are taking place with both teams looking for territory.
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:41 , Mike Jones
66 minutes: There’s a kicking game at play now as both teams try to gain a foothold in the opponents half.
Aaron Smith is replaced for the All Blacks meaning he departs the field for the final time as a New Zealand rugby player with his retirement looming.
Can his teammates get him over the line for a World Cup final victory?
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:36 , Mike Jones
63 minutes: New Zealand have responded brilliantly in this second half, especially when the teams were level in terms of personnel during Kolisi’s sin binning.
South Africa need to have a period of possession to settle things down but the All Blacks won’t make it easy for them. They are right up for this contest now.
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa
21:34 , Mike Jones
60 minutes: Richie Mo’unga pushes his conversion effort wide to the right meaning New Zealand still trail by one point.
South Africa won their quarter-final against France by one point, they won their semi-final against England by one point, will they win the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand by one point?
TRY! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (Beauden Barrett, 58 minutes)
21:32 , Mike Jones
58 minutes: Siya Kolisi is brought back onto the pitch as New Zealand drive for the try line once again.
The All Blacks look to get in on the right side of the pitch with phase after phase seeing them denied. A switch in play sees the ball flung over to the left wing where Mark Tele’a takes over possession.
He comes inside and is brought down, dropping the ball in the process. Beauden Barrett is the first to react, he scoops it up and dives for the line, going over for the first legitimate try of the evening.
NO TRY! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:29 , Mike Jones
55 minutes: New Zealand’s celebrations are cut short. The referee is informed of a knock on in the build-up to that try by Ardie Savea.
As the replays are shown it becomes clear that there’s an initial foul for tackling in the air before Savea knocked the ball on meaning New Zealand have possession but the try doesn’t stand.
Big call from the referee.
TRY! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (Aaron Smith, 54 minutes)
21:27 , Mike Jones
54 minutes: New Zealand score the first try of the night!
They pile pressure on South Africa inside their own 22 and turn the ball over. It comes out of the ruck and gets sent to in two passes to Richie Mo’unga.
He drives towards the line, dummies a pass and then bursts towards the line before getting tackled. As he goes down he offloads to Aaron Smith who plunges over for a try.
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:23 , Mike Jones
53 mins: Siya Kolisi’s yellow card remains a yellow according to the TMO bunker.
New Zealand switch the play from left to right and try to dart in on the right wing. There’s a knock on by Will Jordan as South Africa scoop up possession.
Eben Etzebeth is stopped from sprinting forward but the Springboks are awarded a scrum.
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:20 , Mike Jones
51 minutes: Scott Barrett is taken out off the ball meaning New Zealand win a penalty. They kick for territory and boot the ball into touch a few metres from the South African try line.
If the All Blacks score here this final is still wide open.
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:16 , Mike Jones
48 minutes: Yellow card! Siya Kolisi is now sitting out for 10 minutes after a poor tackle on Shannon Frizell. The New Zealander grabs the ball in the air and, as he lands, he’s clattered on the chin by the South African captain.
This one is slightly different to the Sam Cane incident. Kolisi is more horizontal and hits Frizell on the body before riding up and catching the head.
He’s in the sin bin but shouldn’t get upgraded to a red.
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:13 , Mike Jones
45 minutes: Is this the first try?
No. From a South Africa scrum, the utilise their extra man to bring the All Blacks in field before another fine kick out to the wing almost sees Kurt-Lee Arendse in for a try.
As he dives for the line, his foot goes into touch and he drops the ball before it’s grounded. South Africa are getting closer.
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:10 , Mike Jones
42 minutes: Oh that is close.
A cross field kick from Handre Pollard sees the ball bobble into the hands of South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi who bombs forward. He’s tackled a couple of metres before the line then the Springboks are held up and New Zealand must restart the game with a dropout.
Second half! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:07 , Mike Jones
South Africa get the Rugby World Cup final back underway. They’ll be happy with their night’s work so far. Can they hold onto their lead of will New Zealand rally?
South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi suffers Rugby World Cup final heartbreak with injury
21:04 , Mike Jones
South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi suffered a nightmare Rugby World Cup final after being forced off injured with only two minutes played.
The Springboks hooker was forced off with a knee injury after Shannon Frizell landed on his standing leg at the breakdown, earning the All Blacks player a yellow card. Referee Wayne Barnes took advice from his TMO before producing the card, which was then put to a review for a possible upgrade to red, based on whether Frizell’s action was deliberate.
The TMO kept the card at yellow, concluding Frizell was “not targeting the leg, he’s fallen on it”.
South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi suffers Rugby World Cup final heartbreak with injury
HT New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
21:00 , Mike Jones
As expected there was a discussion over the red card for Sam Cane on ITV during the break.
Brian O’Driscoll said: “Any effective tackle is a hinge at the hips, Sam Cane can have no complaints, there’s no late dip, he has a clear line of sight, it’s considerable force to the head a very, very clear red card.”
And Sean Fitzpatrick agreed saying: “In real time, it’s a red card, we have to get on with it.”
HT New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
20:56 , Mike Jones
Half-time! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
20:52 , Mike Jones
New Zealand trail on the scoreboard as the teams head into the break. The big story is that New Zealand are down to 14-men after captain Sam Cane was dismissed for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel.
Could that decision affect the course of this final?
PENALTY! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga, 38 minutes)
20:51 , Mike Jones
38 minutes: As the advantage didn’t help New Zealand the referee pulls the play back for the earlier penalty.
Richie Mo’unga kicks for goal and brings South Africa back within range of one converted try.
New Zealand 3-12 South Africa
20:49 , Mike Jones
37 minutes: Close! Mark Tele’a bursts forward for New Zealand and gets the All Blacks up the pitch. A quick pass from Richie Mo’unga earns the All Blacks a penalty but they try to play the advantage.
Rieko Ioane flies down the line and collects the ball but he’s dragged into touch before he can score.
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-12 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 34 minutes)
20:46 , Mike Jones
34 minutes: To make matters worse for the All Blacks, Handre Pollard has booted another penalty between the sticks and South Africa are now nine points ahead with half-time approaching.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
20:45 , Mike Jones
34 mins: Huge moment! The decision from the TMO bunker has come through and Sam Cane’s yellow has been upgraded to a red card!
That’s the first one ever in a World Cup final. New Zealand have to finish the game with 14.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
20:42 , Mike Jones
31 minutes: Sam Cane’s attempted tackle is being reviewed by the TMO bunker and there is a case that he could get sent off permanently. We’ll have to wait for that decision though.
South Africa pile up the pitch and earn themselves another scrum. It’s played quickly and the Boks sweep across the pitch beautifully.
A short kick comes in for Damian Willemse to sprint in on the wing but Will Jordan gets across to block his path and the ball is booted into touch.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
20:39 , Mike Jones
28 minutes: New Zealand captain, Sam Kane, is under the microscope for a high tackle. He catches Jesse Kriel right on the chin with his shoulder from an upright position.
The referee sends the decision to the TMO and the result is a yellow card for the All Blacks skipper. New Zealand are down to 14 yet again.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
20:36 , Mike Jones
25 minutes: From the lineout Eben Etzebeth plucks the New Zealand ball out of the air before the Springboks clear. New Zealand attempt to run it back but the ball is turned over quickly again.
After a quick kicking exchange, South Africa kick to touch.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
20:31 , Mike Jones
22 minutes: An unforced error from New Zealand sees them knock on and gift South Africa possession just inside their own half.
Faf de Klerk feeds the scrum for South Africa before recovering the ball and flinging it down the line. A kick out to the wing isn’t great and the ball bounces out for a New Zealand lineout.
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 19 minutes)
20:29 , Mike Jones
19 minutes: Handre Pollard pings a fine kick over the top after South Africa are awarded a penalty when New Zealand purposefully stop the Springboks from releasing the ball at the base of the ruck.
Pollard’s kick is the furthest one of the night but he restores his team’s six point lead.
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-6 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga, 17 minutes)
20:27 , Mike Jones
17 minutes: Richie Mo’unga is pretty much right in front of the sticks for this kick and has no trouble flicking it over the top. New Zealand are on the board.
New Zealand 0-6 South Africa
20:25 , Mike Jones
16 mins: A penalty for New Zealand allows them to kick for territory and them boot the ball deep inside South Africa’s 22. The All Blacks win the lineout and drive, repeatedly, at the defence.
Close! A fine chip from Barrett almost gets Ardie Savea in for a try but the bounce takes the ball away from New Zealand’s runner and it’s recovered by the Springboks.
New Zealand won a penalty during their attack and the referee pulls the play back meaning the All Blacks will now kick for goal.
PENALTY! New Zealand 0-6 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 13 minutes)
20:22 , Mike Jones
13 minutes: Handre Pollard aims for the posts once more from the left side of the pitch. This is a seemingly easier kick and sails over the crossbar to double the Springboks’ lead.
New Zealand are back to their full quota of players now though.
New Zealand 0-3 South Africa
20:20 , Mike Jones
12 minutes: The TMO bunker has finished their review of Shannon Frizell’s foul on Bongi Mbonambi. The yellow card stands and won’t be upgraded.
New Zealand have almost finished the 10 minutes playing with 14 men but South Africa have another penalty kick…
New Zealand 0-3 South Africa
20:19 , Mike Jones
10 minutes: The pressure is all coming from South Africa.
Even a heavy tackle from Scott Barrett sees a miscued kick float over to the right wing where Damian Willemse plucks it out of the air and storms forward. He tries to kick it past Jordie Barrett but the New Zealand scoops it off the floor with one hand before being pushed into touch.
New Zealand 0-3 South Africa
20:14 , Mike Jones
7 minutes: A great crossfield kick from Pollard almost sees Cheslin Kolbe claim the ball and dart into space for the line. He leaps up to challenge in the air but seemingly knocks on under pressure from Richie Mo’unga.
New Zealand are awarded a scrum.
New Zealand 0-3 South Africa
20:12 , Mike Jones
6 minutes: A quick kick down the wing from the Springboks puts New Zealand on the back foot as Will Jordan is forced to catch the ball over his own shoulder when sprinting back towards his own try zone.
His offload misses the target and South Africa’s chase sees them fly up the pitch and turnover possession. The All Blacks are being bullied early on here.
PENALTY! New Zealand 0-3 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 3 minutes)
20:10 , Mike Jones
3 minutes: South Africa get themselves on the board first. They’re awarded a penalty after Shannon Frizell’s foul meaning Handre Pollard can kick.
He pulls his penalty slightly to the left but kisses the inside of the post and sends the ball over the top.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa
20:08 , Mike Jones
3 minutes: Yellow card! Bongi Mbonambi is down and needs a bit of treatment on his right leg after diving into the ruck. Shannon Frizell arrives for the tackle and drops his body onto Mbonambi’s trailing leg.
After a review from the video ref, Frizell is shown a yellow card and the TMO is reviewing the incident to determine whether it should be upgraded to a red.
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa
20:06 , Mike Jones
2 minutes: Bang! Eben Etzebeth puts in the biggest tackle of the night. A few loose handling errors from New Zealand see them fumble around trying to regain the ball and string together a cohesive attack.
The ball across to Richie Mo’unga who flings it down the line before getting spangled by Etzebeth. An early sign that South Africa will want to dominate these early stages.
Kick off! New Zealand 0-0 South Africa
20:03 , Mike Jones
New Zealand get the match underway and boot the ball into the South African half. It’s claimed by full-back Damian Willemse who kicks it back down the pitch and gives possession back to the All Blacks.
New Zealand vs South Africa
20:00 , Mike Jones
As customary with New Zealand, Aaron Smith leads the haka with the Springboks staring down at their opponents for tonight’s World Cup final.
The stage is set, kick off is up next…
New Zealand vs South Africa
19:53 , Mike Jones
Here come the teams!
The All Blacks have that steely look on their faces as they stride down the tunnel and out onto the pitch at the Stade de France.
South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, is singing away to himself as he leads out his teammates, he looks relaxed and ready to go.
The national anthems are now sung as the rain continues to fall in Paris.
New Zealand vs South Africa
19:50 , Mike Jones
South Africa have been ahead at half-time in all three of their previous World Cup finals. They have never conceded more than six first-half points in each of those matches.
Can New Zealand start strongly to upset their rhythm?
New Zealand vs South Africa
19:46 , Mike Jones
It’s absolutely pouring down in Paris for this Rugby World Cup 2023 final. That should make things interesting as the ball gets wetter and the pitch starts to degrade as the game goes on.
This is the 10th match played at the Stade de France in this tournament with six of those games taking place over the last couple of weeks.
The conditions may yet play theri part in deciding which team lifts the trophy later tonight.
New Zealand vs South Africa
19:41 , Mike Jones
New Zealand and South Africa have won every rugby World Cup since England’s famous victory, off the boot of Jonny Wilkinson, in 2003.
Either All Blacks captain, Sam Kane, or Springboks skipper, Siya Kolisi, will hold the Webb Ellis Cup aloft marking the fourth time one of these two nations has been crowned the best in the world.
No team has achieved that before at the Rugby World Cup. History awaits for one of the sides but who?
Please abolish the third-place play-off: Rugby’s pointless and outdated relic
19:36 , Mike Jones
It’s the game that players don’t want to play, fans don’t want to watch and the media don’t want to cover. All of which begs the question, why does the Rugby World Cup third/fourth place play-off still exist? Answers on a postcard please.
Actually, the answer is fairly simple, of course. It follows the old adage that when you’re not sure why something counter-intuitive is happening in sport, the reason is always the same. Money.
World Rugby and its sponsors will undoubtedly make a bit more cheddar from England facing Argentina on Friday evening at relatively little expense, although it remains to be seen how many of the Stade de France’s 80,000 seats are filled, let alone what sort of atmosphere those in attendance create. You suspect it might not quite reach the level of fan delirium that some of the other instant classics at the Paris stadium have generated during this tournament.
Please abolish the third-place play-off: Rugby’s pointless
…. to be continued
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