In a significant roster change, Brodie Retallick will earn his 109th Test cap as he takes the field for New Zealand against South Africa in the highly-anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
Where and When?
The grand event will unfold at Stade de France in Paris, this Saturday, 28th October, with kick-off slated for 20:00 BST. Fans can catch all the excitement through live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and real-time text updates on the Sport News Center website and app.
The Roster Switch
New Zealand’s locker room witnessed one notable change as Brodie Retallick fills in for Sam Whitelock in the starting lineup for the championship match against the Springboks. If Whitelock does make an appearance from the bench, he’ll make history by participating in his third World Cup final.
Stalwarts Keep Their Spots
The Barrett brothers—Scott, Jordie, and Beauden—maintain their spots in the starting XV, a lineup that recently sailed smoothly past Argentina in the semi-finals.
Record Chase
Both teams are vying for a record fourth World Cup title. Will Jordan, stationed at the wing for the All Blacks, has the opportunity to break new ground by increasing his current try count of eight in the tournament. Doing so would not only set a new individual record but also put him on par with All Blacks icon Jonah Lomu, as the only players to score in five consecutive World Cup matches.
Bench Adjustments
The only other swap for the All Blacks occurs among the subs, as Nepo Laulala steps in for Fletcher Newell.
Old Guard Still Standing
Retallick, Whitelock, Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett, and Aaron Smith—set to retire post-match—are the enduring elements from New Zealand’s victorious 2015 campaign. Notably, Cane is poised to earn his 95th cap, remaining shy of the 100-mark unlike his veteran teammates.
Payback Time?
New Zealand is gunning for revenge after a crushing 35-7 loss to the Springboks before the teams jetted off to France.
Coach’s Corner
“We find ourselves in the World Cup final, and we’ve diligently managed all distractions,” Ian Foster, the head coach of the All Blacks, declared. “South Africa excels in their unique playstyle, and we aim to outshine them in ours.”
Springboks Roster
Reigning champs South Africa haven’t been static either. They’ve made two key substitutions, bringing in half-backs Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard in place of Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok. Hooker Bongi Mbonambi is cleared to play, as World Rugby found no sufficient proof to charge him for allegedly using a racial slur against England’s Tom Curry.
Battle of Experience
With a jaw-dropping 987 caps across their starting XV, South Africa has named its most veteran squad ever, slightly edging out New Zealand’s also-impressive tally of 981 caps.
The Line-Ups
New Zealand XV: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea.
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Williams, Laulala, Whitelock, Papalii, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.
South Africa XV: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.
Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Smith, Wiese, Le Roux.
The Referee
Wayne Barnes of England has been tasked with officiating the game, sure to be a clash of titans.
And hey, while we’re talking sports, don’t forget to dig deep into one of the UK’s most severe environmental crimes involving waste management. Or, if you’re in a lighter mood, why not test your trilogy knowledge with this nifty quiz?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup final
Who is replacing Sam Whitelock in the All Blacks’ starting lineup for the Rugby World Cup final?
Brodie Retallick is stepping in to replace Sam Whitelock in New Zealand’s starting XV for the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
Where and when is the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa taking place?
The championship match is scheduled to be held at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28th October, with a kick-off time of 20:00 BST.
How can fans follow the match?
Fans can tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live for live commentary or check out real-time text updates on the Sport News Center website and app.
Are there any other changes to New Zealand’s roster besides the Whitelock-Retallick switch?
The only other alteration is among the substitutes: Nepo Laulala is taking Fletcher Newell’s spot on the bench.
Is anyone close to setting a new record in this match?
Yes, Will Jordan, who is positioned on the wing for the All Blacks, can set a new record for the most tries at a single tournament if he adds to his current tally of eight.
What’s the historical context of this match?
Both New Zealand and South Africa are chasing a record fourth World Cup title. Also, New Zealand is looking to avenge their 35-7 loss to South Africa before heading to France for the tournament.
Who is the head coach of the All Blacks, and what has he said about the match?
Ian Foster is the head coach of New Zealand’s All Blacks. He mentioned that the team has worked to manage all distractions and is keen on excelling in their own unique style against South Africa.
Are there any significant changes in South Africa’s lineup?
Yes, South Africa has made two changes in their starting XV. Half-backs Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard are replacing Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok.
How experienced are the teams?
South Africa’s starting XV boasts 987 caps, making it the most experienced Springbok team ever. New Zealand’s side isn’t far behind, with 981 caps across their starting lineup.
Who will be refereeing the match?
Wayne Barnes from England will be the official in charge of overseeing this high-stakes showdown.
More about Rugby World Cup final
- BBC Sport Rugby
- Rugby World Cup Official Site
- Sport News Center
- All Blacks Official Website
- Springboks Official Website
- Stade de France Information
- World Rugby Official Site
- New Zealand vs South Africa Rivalry History
- Ian Foster Profile
- Rugby World Cup Records
9 comments
Faf and Handre are back in the lineup! We’re ready to defend the title. Take that, All Blacks.
Nepo Laulala in the bench! That’s an interesting choice. And Retallick replacing Whitelock is huge, no pressure mate.
this match has it all, records that could be broken, revenge, and a couple of solid lineups. Saturday can’t come soon enough!
Man, this final is gonna be epic! Both teams gunning for a 4th title? That’s just awesome. Can’t wait for the face-off. Also, Will Jordan, you rock dude!
Wayne Barnes as referee, huh? Always a controversial choice. Hope he doesn’t become the talking point instead of the game.
Will Jordan’s on fire. Wouldn’t be surprised if he broke Lomu’s record. Dude’s a beast on the wing.
Woah! Ian Foster talkin about different styles. Always a chess match with these two teams. Plus, Aaron Smith retiring after this? End of an era.
Whitelock’s gonna be the first to play in 3 finals if he gets off the bench. That’s legendary!
987 caps for SA and 981 for NZ? Thats insane experience on both sides. This is gonna be a clash of titans!