South Africa have made it back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins with victory over New Zealand.
The Springboks retained the Webb Ellis Cup after a thrilling 12-11 win over the All Blacks in the final at the Stade de France in Paris.
It means back-to-back wins for South Africa, who triumphed over England in the 2019 final in Japan.
And with four tournament wins to their name, the Springboks are now outright the most successful team in Rugby World Cup history – a title they previously shared with New Zealand.
South Africa’s Jesse Kriel celebrates after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup final
South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe celebrates
A red card for New Zealand captain Sam Cane – the first in a Rugby World Cup final – for a high tackle, and four kicks from Handre Pollard, gave South Africa the first half advantage.
Despite being a man down, the All Blacks launched a spirited fightback in the second half, pulling to within a point with a try from Beauden Barrett.
His brother, Jordie Barrett, then had a chance to complete a famous comeback victory for New Zealand – but missed a long-range penalty late on.
South Africa, who lost Cheslin Kolbe to a sin bin for a deliberate knock-on as the final whistle drew near, then stood firm in the face of late pressure from New Zealand to secure a narrow – and historic – victory.
Fans celebrate in Cape Town after South Africa win the Rugby World Cup
Read more from Sky News:
Amber weather warning issued f
…. to be continued
Read full article at the Original Source
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : SkyNews – https://news.sky.com/story/rugby-world-cup-final-south-africa-make-it-back-to-back-trophies-with-win-over-new-zealand-12995317
