South Africa secured their fourth Rugby World Cup title in a thrilling final against New Zealand in Paris. The Springboks held a 9-3 lead with Handre Pollard’s accurate goalkicking.
But the game took a dramatic turn when New Zealand’s captain received a red card for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel in the 27th minute.
Despite their disadvantage, New Zealand fought back. Richie Mo’unga scored a penalty before halftime, and Beauden Barrett capitalised on a loose ball after the interval, narrowing South Africa’s lead to 12-11
Both teams fiercely contested the final quarter, but neither could secure a decisive score. Jordie Barrett missed a long-range penalty in the 73rd minute, and the Springboks held on for a nail-biting one-point victory in the knockout stages.
South Africa faced a particularly hostile crowd in France who supported the All Blacks after the Springboks kicked the host nation out of the competition in their backyard three weeks ago.
Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi said the team played for South African citizens who live under difficult circumstances and have shown unprecedented support for the team this World Cup.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, flew to Paris to watch the game. Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macro at the Stade de France in Paris ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.
Ramaphosa had playfully declared Sunday a public holiday if the Boks won the cup. At the time of writing, it was unclear if Ramaphosa would still declare Sunday a national holiday.
“The Buffalo” is the only South African president to lift the Rugby trophy twice in a single term.
This was also Springbok coach Jacques Neinaber’s final match. He also leaves with a legacy as a two-time winning coach.
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