South Africa claimed their fourth Rugby World Cup title in a thrilling final against New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday, winning 15-12 in extra time after a 12-12 deadlock at full time. The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi, secured their third World Cup victory in four finals, with fly-half Handré Pollard kicking the decisive penalty in the 96th minute.
The match, attended by 80,000 spectators, saw New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett score two tries, while South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi each crossed the try line once. The All Blacks dominated possession but struggled with accuracy, while the Springboks capitalised on key moments to secure their historic win. The victory marks South Africa’s first World Cup title since 2007 and their first on French soil.
South Africa Claims Rugby World Cup Glory
South Africa claimed their fourth Rugby World Cup title on Saturday, defeating New Zealand 15-12 in a thrilling final at the Stade de France. The Springboks triumphed in a tightly contested match, with fly-half Handré Pollard kicking the decisive penalty in the 69th minute.
The All Blacks, seeking their fourth World Cup, led 12-6 at half-time. However, South Africa’s defence held firm in the second half, with captain Siya Kolisi leading by example. Kolisi, who won the World Cup as a player in 2007, became the first black African captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
New Zealand’s last-gasp attempt to win the match ended in heartbreak. A late try from Ardie Savea was disallowed after a Television Match Official (TMO) review ruled a knock-on. The decision sparked controversy, but the Springboks held on to secure victory.
South Africa’s win marks a remarkable turnaround from their disappointing 2019 World Cup campaign. The Springboks finished third in the group stages and were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Wales. However, they bounced back to claim the 2023 title in dramatic fashion.
The victory was a testament to South Africa’s resilience and defensive prowess. The Springboks conceded just two tries in the entire tournament, showcasing their ability to shut down even the most potent attacking sides. Their victory was celebrated by fans worldwide, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praising the team’s “unbelievable achievement.”
Springboks Secure Third World Cup Title
South Africa claimed their third Rugby World Cup title with a hard-fought 19-12 victory over New Zealand in the final at Yokohama Stadium. The Springboks dominated the physical battle, winning 17 of 21 tackles and making 139 tackles overall.
New Zealand struck first with a try from Ardie Savea in the 10th minute. However, South Africa responded quickly with a penalty try just five minutes later, leveling the score at 7-7.
The Springboks took the lead in the second half with a penalty from Handré Pollard in the 48th minute. They extended their advantage with another penalty from Pollard in the 68th minute, making the score 16-7.
New Zealand managed to score another try through Beauden Barrett in the 74th minute, reducing the deficit to 12-16. But South Africa held firm, with Faf de Klerk sealing the victory with a penalty in the 80th minute.
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, becoming the first black African captain to win the Rugby World Cup. “This is for all the people back home,” Kolisi said. “This is for every single person in South Africa.”
Rugby World Cup Final: South Africa Emerges Victorious
South Africa claimed their fourth Rugby World Cup title on Saturday, defeating New Zealand 15-12 in a thrilling final at Stade de France. The Springboks triumphed in a tightly contested match, with the decisive try coming from substitute replacement Makazole Mapimpi in the 69th minute.
New Zealand led 12-7 at half-time, with a try from Ardie Savea and two penalties from Richie Mo’unga. However, South Africa’s defence held firm in the second half, with Siya Kolisi’s side crossing the line twice to secure victory.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber praised his team’s resilience. “We knew it would be a tough game, but the boys showed great character and determination,” he said post-match. New Zealand coach Ian Foster conceded defeat gracefully. “South Africa were the better team today, and we congratulate them on their victory,” he stated.
The final was a physical encounter, with both teams committing to a high-intensity game. South Africa’s forward dominance proved crucial, with the pack winning 12 of their 15 lineouts and making 152 tackles. New Zealand, meanwhile, made 144 tackles and had 11 lineout wins from 14 attempts.
The victory marks South Africa’s fourth Rugby World Cup title, with their previous wins coming in 1995, 2007, and 2019. New Zealand, who were aiming for a fourth title of their own, will have to wait for their fourth World Cup win.
History Made as South Africa Triumphs in Rugby World Cup Final
South Africa claimed their fourth Rugby World Cup title in a thrilling final against New Zealand at the Stade de France. The Springboks secured a 15-12 victory in a closely contested match, ending New Zealand’s hopes of a fourth title.
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Handré Pollard kicked a penalty to give South Africa a three-point lead. New Zealand’s subsequent attempts to equalise fell short, with a last-gasp drop goal attempt by Beauden Barrett sailing wide.
South Africa’s defence was formidable throughout, with the team making 124 tackles compared to New Zealand’s 83. The Springboks also dominated possession, holding the ball for 58% of the match.
New Zealand’s coach, Ian Foster, conceded defeat gracefully. “Congratulations to South Africa. They were the better team today and deserved to win,” he said post-match.
South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, dedicated the victory to the nation. “This win is for every South African. We played for our country and our people,” he stated, visibly emotional.
The match was attended by a record-breaking crowd of 80,065, setting a new high for a Rugby World Cup final. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both nations creating a vibrant spectacle.
South Africa’s victory marks their first World Cup win since 2007. The team’s resilience and tactical prowess were evident throughout the tournament, culminating in this historic win.
Springboks Dominate to Claim Rugby World Cup Crown
South Africa claimed their fourth Rugby World Cup title with a commanding 19-12 victory over New Zealand in the final at Stade de France. The Springboks dominated possession and territory throughout the match, showcasing their trademark physicality and defensive prowess.
The All Blacks started strongly, taking an early 6-0 lead through the boot of fly-half Richie Mo’unga. However, South Africa responded with a try from captain Siya Kolisi, converted by fly-half Handré Pollard, to take a 7-6 lead at half-time.
South Africa extended their lead in the second half with a penalty from Pollard and a try from replacement lock Eben Etzebeth. New Zealand managed a late try from winger Will Jordan but could not overcome the deficit.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber praised his team’s resilience and discipline. “We knew it would be a tough game against a quality side,” he said post-match. “Our defence was outstanding, and we executed our game plan well.”
New Zealand coach Ian Foster acknowledged the better team won. “South Africa were clinical with their opportunities,” he admitted. “We made too many errors, and they capitalised on them.”
The victory marks South Africa’s first World Cup win since 2007 and their fourth overall, equalling New Zealand’s record. The Springboks now join England as the most successful teams in Rugby World Cup history.
South Africa’s victory in the Rugby World Cup final marks their fourth title, cementing their status as one of the sport’s elite teams. The Springboks’ dominant display saw them overcome New Zealand’s formidable challenge, with captain Siya Kolisi lifting the trophy to wild celebrations. The win also highlights the team’s remarkable journey, uniting a nation still grappling with social and political divisions.
The victory sets the stage for a new chapter in South African rugby, with expectations high for the team’s future performances. As the country revels in this moment of triumph, the Springboks’ success serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying potential of sport.
