Once more, South Africa secured the coveted accolade of world rugby champions, fiercely defending their 2019 title in a thrilling 2023 World Cup final staged at the Stade de France. In an intensely fought battle, the Springboks secured a razor-thin 12-11 triumph against their arch-rivals, New Zealand. The match was defined by an unyielding second-half struggle, where South Africa faced adversity, being reduced to 14 players on two occasions and conceding the sole try of the match.
From the outset, the first half showcased intense defensive strategies from both teams, leading to limited opportunities for free-flowing ball movement. It became evident early on that dominance in the set-piece and accurate kicks for points would be pivotal. The match took a dramatic turn just three minutes in when Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi was forced to leave the field. Shannon Frizell, the offender, was sent to the sin-bin, allowing Handre Pollard to secure a 3-0 lead for South Africa with a successful kick.
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Following South Africa’s increase in their lead to 9-3, New Zealand’s captain, Sam Cane, was sin-binned for a high tackle. This penalty was subsequently upgraded to a red card by the TMO, marking a momentous occasion as Cane became the inaugural player to be dismissed in a Rugby World Cup final. Both teams managed to convert penalties before halftime, with South Africa taking a 12-6 lead. However, the second half began unfavorably for the Springboks when their captain Siya Kolisi was also penalized for a high tackle on Ardie Savea, resulting in another yellow card. With the game now 14 vs 14 for the next 10 minutes, the All Blacks seized the opportunity and showcased their skills. Despite a knock-on by Savea, the All Blacks orchestrated a brilliant backline move, but their opening try was denied as Aaron Smith’s opportunity was thwarted.
However, New Zealand refused to back down, relentlessly pressuring the South African defense until they found the breakthrough they needed. Jordie Barrett’s precision wide pass created an opening for Mark Telea, who skillfully breached the defense, allowing his brother Beauden Barrett to crash over in the corner, marking the crucial and deciding try. Despite the opportunity to level the score, Mo’unga’s conversion attempt went wide, leaving the All Blacks trailing 11-12. The next 21 minutes unfolded as a nail-biting contest, with the scoreboard hanging delicately on a knife-edge.
As the match clock approached the 80th minute, both teams took daring chances, seeking the game-sealing points. Jordie Barrett assumed the role of the All Blacks’ primary playmaker in midfield, attempting to tilt the scoreline in their favor. However, his late penalty attempt from long range sailed just wide, adding to the tension. On the other end, South Africa’s Pollard, Damian Willemse, and Cheslin Kolbe all tried and failed with drop-goal attempts. The situation grew dire for the Springboks when Kolbe was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on.
Despite the gloomy skies, the scene transformed dramatically as the Webb Ellis Cup’s radiant golden shine illuminated the stadium. In the final moments, a crucial scrum held firm for South Africa, and the referee’s full-time whistle echoed, sealing their passage into rugby immortality.
So close yet so far for all brave All Blacks
The Rugby World Cup final unfolded on the razor’s edge, highlighting the sport’s inherent tension. New Zealand’s missed opportunities, from Smith’s denied try to Mo’unga’s wayward conversion and Barrett’s unsuccessful long-range penalty, haunted their chances to seize control. These moments will be bittersweet memories for the Kiwis, lingering in their thoughts for years to come. Yet, despite this heartache, the players in the black jerseys can take pride in their valiant effort against the reigning champions in Saint-Denis. As stalwarts like Smith and Whitelock bid farewell, the upcoming generation steps in with the confidence and skillset needed to reclaim Rugby World Cup glory.
Rainbow reigns as dogged Boks defend World Cup title
In a nail-biting showdown, the Springboks clinched another four-year reign over the rugby world. The 2023 final differed vastly from the daring moves and dazzling tries of the 2019 match, yet the relentless defensive efforts were equally remarkable. Guided by Handre Pollard, whose 12 crucial points were all scored in the first half, South Africa meticulously executed their game plan, thwarting the All Blacks’ attempts to find their rhythm. Siya Kolisi, making history as the second captain to hoist the Rugby World Cup twice, solidified his legacy. He will undoubtedly bask in pride as the Springboks triumphantly return home with the coveted Webb Ellis Cup in their grasp.
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New Zealand vs South Africa full commentary, highlights
At the final whistle, the 2023 Rugby World Cup came to an epic close! The Springboks clinched their second consecutive title in a nail-biting finish, prevailing over the All Blacks by a mere point. Despite being scoreless in the second half and facing the sin-binning of Kolisi, the tide turned in their favor, especially after Barrett’s lone try in the corner. Defense took center stage, and both Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett failed to put the All Blacks ahead with their attempts off the tee. The game saw numerous chances slipping away, but the Boks’ strategic game management kept them a step ahead, and the full-time whistle confirmed a historic fourth Webb Ellis Cup for the Rainbow Nation!
In the dying moments of the game:
- The scrum, after a couple of resets, finally stabilized, and De Klerk swiftly played it out. New Zealand made a desperate attempt to steal the ball, but it rolled over the sideline, leading to the full-time whistle – South Africa had done it!
- Kwagga Smith managed to snatch the ball and passed it to Kriel, who unfortunately kicked it right back into New Zealand hands. McKenzie made his way down the left, supported by Savea, but his offload to Lienert-Brown was fumbled, resulting in a scrum for the Springboks with mere seconds left on the clock.
- The replacements collaborated as McKenzie distributed the ball wide to Dalton Papalii, who surged down the right flank but was brought down just short of halfway.
- The All Black scrum held firm, and Christie passed to Damian McKenzie, but De Klerk rushed out of the line, charging down his kick and deflecting the ball out for another line-out.
- Pollard returned a clearance kick with vigor, popping the ball up to Du Toit. He was tackled inches from the sideline, and although it came loose in the ruck, the Boks missed a significant opportunity in the New Zealand 22.
- Another drop-goal attempt was loading for South Africa, but Pollard’s effort took an unfortunate deflection, and the ball was back in New Zealand hands.
- Barrett and Lienert-Brown attempted to make a breakthrough down the right flank, but the inside center’s pass went forward, granting the Springboks a scrum feed.
New Zealand vs South Africa final score
| Team | Score |
| New Zealand | 11 |
| South Africa | 12 |
Penalties: Richie Mo’unga (2); Handre Pollard (4)
New Zealand vs South Africa confirmed line-ups
In the lineup that trounced Argentina 44-6 in the semifinals, New Zealand has opted for just one alteration, as second-row mainstays Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick trade places, the latter stepping into the starting role wearing jersey number 4. Retallick’s tenacity and diverse skillset will be complemented by Whitelock, who holds the record for the most All Black caps and will make an impact coming off the bench later in the match. Additionally, the team will rely on the leadership of captain Sam Cane and the dynamic abilities of number eight Ardie Savea, both pivotal figures in their game plan.
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