South Africa win incredible Rugby World Cup final as red card costs New Zealand

South Africa have won the Rugby World Cup for a record-breaking fourth time, and have successfully retained their 2src19 title.

The Springboks beat New Zealand 11-12 a hugely tight and tense affair. The game had four cards, huge collisions and was eventually decided by points from the boot.

The big turning point in the match saw New Zealand skipper Sam Cane sent off with more than 45 minutes to play. The openside flanker put in a dangerously high tackle on Springbok Jesse Kriel, connecting with power directly to his head.

It was initially given as a yellow card but went to review. After a short period, the offence was upgraded to a red. Referee Barnes explained to Ardie Savea that there was a “high degree of danger and no mitigation”. It was the first red card ever issued in a Rugby World Cup final.

The first half kickstarted with a huge Eben Etzebeth hit on New Zealan’s Richie Mo’unga, which set the tone for the collisions that were about to unfold.

Kiwi blindside Shannon Frizell was also given his marching orders, this time after just two minutes, for taking out B