South Africa Edges Out New Zealand 12-11 to Secure Historic Fourth Rugby World Cup

South Africa narrowly defeated their opponents in all of their elimination matches by a single point
Rugby World Cup Showdown
New Zealand: (6) 11
Tries: B Barrett, Pens: Mo’unga 2
South Africa: (12) 12
Pens: Pollard 4

In a frenetic final held in Paris, South Africa managed to defend their Rugby World Cup title and set a new record with their fourth championship, barely holding off a New Zealand squad that was down to 14 players.

The momentum initially seemed to be in South Africa’s favor. Handre Pollard’s sharp goalkicking provided the Springboks a 9-3 lead, and the situation got more dire for New Zealand when their captain Sam Cane was sent off with a red card for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel in the 27th minute.

New Zealand, now down a man and nine points, seemed to be in a tough spot. However, they managed to mount a comeback, with Richie Mo’unga booting in a penalty before half-time and Beauden Barrett scoring a try after the break, trimming the South African lead to a single point.

An exhilarating and physically demanding final quarter ensued, but neither team was able to score the game-changing points. Jordie Barrett had an opportunity to change the game with a 73rd-minute long-range penalty, but missed, allowing the Springboks to hang on for their third consecutive one-point win in the knockout phase.

As the final whistle sounded, a shocked but ecstatic Captain Siya Kolisi celebrated with his teammates. Underlining this achievement, Coach Jacques Nienaber pointed out that this was the first time a team had successfully defended their Rugby World Cup title on foreign soil. South Africa now undisputedly reigns supreme in the annals of Rugby World Cup history.

This win also marked South Africa’s fourth championship in the eight tournaments they have participated in, an especially notable feat considering they were banned from the first two editions due to global opposition to apartheid.

Once a divisive figure in South Africa, the Springboks have garnered widespread support across the country’s diverse populace, thanks in large part to the leadership of their first black Test captain, Siya Kolisi.

On the other side of the coin, Ian Foster’s tenure as New Zealand’s head coach comes to an agonizingly close end, finishing just short of rugby’s ultimate prize. He will be succeeded by Scott Robertson from the Crusaders.

At the Stade de France, the atmosphere was electric from the get-go. After a vigorous haka performance, both teams immediately went on the offensive.

In an eventful match that saw one player sent off, another injured, and three sin-binned, the physical intensity never waned. Players from both sides were unyielding in the scrum, relentless at the breakdown, and hit each other with bone-crunching tackles.

Handre Pollard’s pinpoint accuracy proved crucial, scoring all of South Africa’s points, including two key penalties when his team had a man advantage.

New Zealand fought valiantly despite being at a numerical disadvantage. A try by Beauden Barrett rekindled hopes for an All Blacks victory. However, their best chance to steal the win was thwarted when South African wing Cheslin Kolbe swatted a pass out of the air, earning himself a yellow card. Jordie Barrett’s subsequent penalty kick, with the game and trophy on the line, sailed wide.

Thus, South Africa navigated through arguably the toughest and narrowest path to lay their hands on the coveted Webb Ellis trophy once more. And as they say, when the going gets tough, the Springboks get going.

South Africa Squad:
Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.
Replacements: Fourie for Nbonambi (4), Le Roux for Willemse (66), Nche for Kitshoff (52), Kleyn for Etzebeth (58), Snyman for Mostert (52), Wiese for Kolisi (73), Smith for Vermeulen (58). Sin Bin: Kolisi (45), Kolbe (74).

New Zealand Squad:
B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea.
Replacements: Liernert-Brown for Jordan (71), McKenzie for Mo’unga (75), Christie for Smith (66), Williams for de Groot (66), Taukeiaho for Taylor (66), Papali’i for Retallick (71). Not Used: Laulala, Whitelock.
Sin Bin: Frizzel (2).
Sent Off: Cane (27).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup Final

Who won the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand?

South Africa won the Rugby World Cup final, narrowly beating New Zealand 12-11. The match was held in Paris.

What is significant about South Africa’s win?

This win marks South Africa’s fourth Rugby World Cup title, making them the most dominant force in the history of the tournament. Additionally, they are the first team to win the tournament back-to-back away from home.

How many points did each team score?

South Africa scored 12 points, all from penalty kicks by Handre Pollard. New Zealand scored 11 points, which included a try from Beauden Barrett and two penalty kicks from Richie Mo’unga.

Why was New Zealand playing with 14 men?

Sam Cane, the New Zealand captain, was shown a red card in the 27th minute for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel, reducing the All Blacks to 14 men for the majority of the match.

Did any other players receive cards during the match?

Yes, Shannon Frizell of New Zealand was shown a yellow card for an ugly-looking neck roll clear-out. South Africa’s Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe also received yellow cards during the match.

What contributed to South Africa’s victory?

Handre Pollard’s accuracy in kicking penalty goals was crucial. The Springboks also capitalized on New Zealand’s red card, stretching their lead during that period. Their defense was resilient, successfully fending off a late-game rally by the All Blacks.

What does this win mean for South Africa on a socio-political level?

The team has won backing from across the spectrum of the Rainbow Nation, particularly under the leadership of Siya Kolisi, the team’s first black Test captain. This win is seen as a unifying event for South Africa.

Who is taking over as the New Zealand head coach?

Ian Foster’s four-year reign as the New Zealand head coach is ending, and he will be replaced by the Crusaders’ Scott Robertson after the tournament.

How did both teams reach the final?

South Africa had three successive one-point victories in the knockout stages, including against France and England. New Zealand’s route to the final was not detailed in the text, but their performance in the final suggests they were formidable opponents.

Who were the key players for both teams?

For South Africa, Handre Pollard and Captain Siya Kolisi were crucial. Pollard scored all of South Africa’s points, and Kolisi’s leadership was vital. For New Zealand, Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett were key, contributing to the team’s 11 points.

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