New Zealand v South Africa – Rugby World Cup Final – Stade de France, Paris – ReportNew Zealand 11-12 South AfricaAfter a battle of almost gladiatorial intensity, South Africa edged out fourteen-man New Zealand 12-11, who had captain Sam Cane sent off just before the half-hour mark, to clinch back-to-back World Cup wins – and a record fourth title – in rainswept Paris. With both teams beginning the match with great vehemence, South Africa lost their hooker Bongi Mbonambi after just three minutes following a falling, twisting tackle by Shannon Frizell, which saw him sent to the sin-bin. With Handre Pollard’s ever-pinpoint goalkicking putting South Africa 9-3 ahead, All-Blacks skipper Sam Cane caught Jesse Kriel high in the twenty-seventh minute and following a review, became the first man ever to be sent off in a Rugby World Cup Final. Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s two-time victorious World Cup winning captain spoke to ITV Sport following the game: “We were kind of just hoping to win in the last World Cup, but this time people were expecting it. I’d like to say well done to South Africa.

Source: The Guardian October 29, 2023 08:03 UTC