New Zealand v South Africa LIVE: Rugby World Cup final score and result as Springboks beat All Blacks in Paris
The Springboks won a historic fourth Rugby World Cup with a tense one-point victory over the All Blacks in Paris
South Africa hung on to beat New Zealand in a tense 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris, and in doing so they became the first men’s side to win the tournament for a fourth time.
The All Blacks entered the contest as slight favourites following a comprehensive 44-6 victory against Argentina, while the Springboks reached Saturday’s showpiece event after a last-minute penalty secured them a narrow 16-15 win over England.
South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi suffered a nightmare start to the match as a knee injury forced the hooker off after only four minutes, four years after he lasted only 20 minutes in the 2019 World Cup final. New Zealand’s Shannon Frizell was shown a yellow card for causing Mbonambi’s injury, but worse was to come for the All Blacks when captain Sam Cane was sent off for a dangerous tackle on the Springboks’ Jesse Kriel, and South Africa led 12-6 at half-time.
A Beauden Barrett try pulled New Zealand back to within one point of their rivals, but the All Blacks couldn’t find anything more, and they went down 12-11 as the Springboks retained their crown.
Follow all the reaction from the final below.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
34 mins: Huge moment! The decision from the TMO bunker has come through and Sam Cane’s yellow has been upgraded to a red card!
That’s the first one ever in a World Cup final. New Zealand have to finish the game with 14.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
31 minutes: Sam Cane’s attempted tackle is being reviewed by the TMO bunker and there is a case that he could get sent off permanently. We’ll have to wait for that decision though.
South Africa pile up the pitch and earn themselves another scrum. It’s played quickly and the Boks sweep across the pitch beautifully.
A short kick comes in for Damian Willemse to sprint in on the wing but Will Jordan gets across to block his path and the ball is booted into touch.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
28 minutes: New Zealand captain, Sam Kane, is under the microscope for a high tackle. He catches Jesse Kriel right on the chin with his shoulder from an upright position.
The referee sends the decision to the TMO and the result is a yellow card for the All Blacks skipper. New Zealand are down to 14 yet again.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
25 minutes: From the lineout Eben Etzebeth plucks the New Zealand ball out of the air before the Springboks clear. New Zealand attempt to run it back but the ball is turned over quickly again.
After a quick kicking exchange, South Africa kick to touch.
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa
22 minutes: An unforced error from New Zealand sees them knock on and gift South Africa possession just inside their own half.
Faf de Klerk feeds the scrum for South Africa before recovering the ball and flinging it down the line. A kick out to the wing isn’t great and the ball bounces out for a New Zealand lineout.
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 19 minutes)
19 minutes: Handre Pollard pings a fine kick over the top after South Africa are awarded a penalty when New Zealand purposefully stop the Springboks from releasing the ball at the base of the ruck.
Pollard’s kick is the furthest one of the night but he restores his team’s six point lead.
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-6 South Africa (Richie Mo’unga, 17 minutes)
17 minutes: Richie Mo’unga is pretty much right in front of the sticks for this kick and has no trouble flicking it over the top. New Zealand are on the board.
New Zealand 0-6 South Africa
16 mins: A penalty for New Zealand allows them to kick for territory and them boot the ball deep inside South Africa’s 22. The All Blacks win the lineout and drive, repeatedly, at the defence.
Close! A fine chip from Barrett almost gets Ardie Savea in for a try but the bounce takes the ball away from New Zealand’s runner and it’s recovered by the Springboks.
New Zealand won a penalty during their attack and the referee pulls the play back meaning the All Blacks will now kick for goal.
PENALTY! New Zealand 0-6 South Africa (Handre Pollard, 13 minutes)
13 minutes: Handre Pollard aims for the posts once more from the left side of the pitch. This is a seemingly easier kick and sails over the crossbar to double the Springboks’ lead.
New Zealand are back to their full quota of players now though.
New Zealand 0-3 South Africa
12 minutes: The TMO bunker has finished their review of Shannon Frizell’s foul on Bongi Mbonambi. The yellow card stands and won’t be upgraded.
New Zealand have almost finished the 10 minutes playing with 14 men but South Africa have another penalty kick...
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