Table of Contents Hide
  1. Here we go South Africa lift the Rugby World Cup!
  2. Elation for South Africa, heartache for the All Blacks
  3. Gosh what a match!
  4. SOUTH AFRICA WIN THE RUGBY WORLD CUP
  5. Final scrum
  6. Two minutes to go!
  7. Kolbe sent to the sin bin!
  8. Big scrum for South Africa
  9. Aaron Smith bows out from international rugby
  10. Tennis royalty in the house!
  11. It’s all New Zealand at the minute
  12. ACTION SHOTS
  13. TRY! New Zealand!
  14. Here comes Kolisi
  15. TRY – New Zealand… but wait will it stand?
  16. Kolisi will not receive a red card
  17. Mbonambi warming up again here
  18. Foul play review! Kolisi is OFF
  19. Arendse nearly touches down!
  20. Here’s the Cane collision on Kriel…
  21. Early break for South Africa!
  22. Inside the South Africa dressing room…
  23. Chris Foy: Sam Cane looked absolutely devastated
  24. HT – New Zealand 6-12 South Africa
  25. Lazy running from Etzabeth
  26. RED CARD FOR CANE
  27. Momentum is certainly on South Africa’s side… and the win a penalty
  28. New Zealand struggling at the lineout
  29. Sam Cane in trouble here!
  30. South Africa fans are here in great voice!
  31. Was that a knock-on?
  32. Some massive hits going in early on
  33. Chris Foy: Poetry in motion
  34. Some excellent play from the All Blacks
  35. The rain is pouring!
  36. Pollard makes it two from two!
  37. Kolbe gets smashed again
  38. An interesting start!
  39. Yellow for Frizell
  40. Bongi Mbonambi looks in some pain here
  41. Here we go!
  42. And here comes the Haka!
  43. Here come the anthems!
  44. ‘He’s a true All Black’ – Sean Fitzpatrick
  45. It’s a bit of a wet one in Paris tonight!
  46. The man of the moment!
  47. South Africa starting XV
  48. The All Blacks are in the house…
  49. New Zealand starting XV
  50. Good evening!
    1. Share or comment on this article: New Zealand 11-12 South Africa – Rugby World Cup final LIVE: Springboks RETAIN their crown after nerve-shredding finish in Paris… as they become first side to lift trophy for a fourth time

 

Advertisement

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest team news, scores and updates as tournament favourites New Zealand and South Africa face-off in the Rugby World Cup final.

Here we go South Africa lift the Rugby World Cup!

Elation for South Africa, heartache for the All Blacks

South Africa clinched it by the barest of margins and New Zealand fought right to the end but it just wasn’t quite enough.

At full-time there was elation from the Spring Boks who rose to their feet in ecstacy.

Pieter-Steph du Toit: ‘Those last three games were very tough. Each one we played as a final. Each one we won by one point. So we’re quite happy with the win.

‘I guess as a team we like drama and we’ve been having drama for the last few years. So it helped us a lot as a team to get through this drama and the whole of South Africa as well.’

‘For South Africa we’re honoured to be able to play for you and we really want to thank every one for your help heree. ‘

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 South Africa's Damian Willemse, Willie Le Roux and teammates celebrate after winning the world cup final as New Zealand players look dejected REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
English referee Wayne Barnes (C) blows his whistle for the end of the match the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP) (Photo by ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images)
Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Rieko Ioane and teammates look dejected after the match REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 South Africa's Damian Willemse, Willie Le Roux and teammates celebrate after winning the world cup final as New Zealand players look dejected REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

Gosh what a match!

Scenes of elation from South Africa as Siya Kolisi and the bench run onto the field after the referee blows his final whistle.

CHRIS FOY: ‘Incredible. A triumph of the finest margins for South Africa. They won their quarter-final, semi-final and final by one point each; against France, England and New Zealand.

‘A fourth World Cup triumph for the Springboks, who successfully defend the title. Brave effort from New Zealand, having trailed 12-3 and been reduced to 14 men for so long.’

SOUTH AFRICA WIN THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

Some fight from the All Blacks. They try to wrestle the ball from the hands of the Spring Boks, but they can’t manage to win back possession.

The ball goes down and Wayne Barnes blows up. And that’s the match!

Final scrum

There’s seconds on the clock here and its South Africa’s put in at the scrum!

But there’s way too much movement so we’ll re-set.

Two minutes to go!

New Zealand need to get down the other end of the field!

They win a scrum in their own 22 but thanks to some excellent pressure from Faf de Klerk, charging down a clearance kick, they stop the All Blacks from relieving the pressure.

They crash the ball upfield and lose the ball! It’s a knock on and that could be it for the All Blacks!

Kolbe sent to the sin bin!

That could be a pivotal moment in the game! New Zealand launch an attack on the Boks and Kolbe commits a deliberate knock-on, stopping the play.

Jordie Barrett lines up the kick but pulls it wide!

Big scrum for South Africa

So we’ve got 10 minutes to go with one point left in the match and New Zealand really need to get their hands on the ball.

It’s a South Africa put in at the scrum and they’ve won the ball back and are now pinning New Zealand back in their own half.

This game will surely go right down to the wire.

Aaron Smith bows out from international rugby

Aaron Smith announced that he would be retiring from international rugby after the World Cup and he has just been substituted by Ian Foster.

CHRIS FOY: ‘All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith has just been replaced, in his final Test match. Tapped his shirt over his heart as he ran off – as an indication of his emotion in the poignant moment.

‘He now has to wait to see if he will end his stellar Test career as a world champion again. One of the modern Kiwi greats.’

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Aaron Smith of New Zealand leaves the field having been substituted during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Tennis royalty in the house!

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are both in the stands watching on tonight!

British singer and songwriter Rita Ora  (L) and Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic (C) react from the stands during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 Former tennis player Roger Federer is pictured in the stands with his wife, Mirka Federer during the match REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

It’s all New Zealand at the minute

South Africa havent got out of their own half for a while here.

New Zealand have thrown the ball around well, but the Boks win the ball back!

New Zealand looked a bit tired there as South Africa moved the ball out wide and manage to just halt a weaving run from Kolbe.

Willemse takes command and puts a low grubber through to the All Blacks 22 to put the pressure back on at the other end of the field.

Meanwhile, Kolbe looks in some trouble here and has a lot of strapping on his leg! South Africa will be holding their breath seeing this!

ACTION SHOTS

CHRIS FOY: ‘Siya Kolisi’s yellow card will not be upgraded to a red, it has just been confirmed.

‘Good decision. He appeared to initially make contact with Ardie Savea’s shoulder before ending up sliding up to collide his head – without any evident malice or what is termed as a ‘high degree of danger’.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Aaron Smith of New Zealand scores a try which is later disallowed during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28:  Mark Telea of New Zealand offloads to team mate Aaron Smith of New Zealand despite the tackle of Eben Etzebeth of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28:  Aaron Smith of New Zealand runs with the ball under pressure from Siya Kolisi of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

TRY! New Zealand!

Retallick takes the linout and the All Blacks start to drive forwads.

Wayne Barnes signals advantage after South Africa collapsed the maul with the All Blacks throwing the ball through the hands.

Jordie Barrett throws a looping pass out to Mark Talea, who gets an offload away on the wing to Beauden Barrett, who touches down.

It looked a touch forwards but there will be no review!

Mo’Unga hits his conversion just wide of the posts and cant give them the lead!

NEW ZEALAND 11-12 SOUTH AFRICA

Here comes Kolisi

South Africa have defended well without their captain.

New Zealand are really lumping pressure on the Spring Boks, pushing up to their try line but they lack discipline.

The All Blacks’ win a player on the five metre line with Beauden Barrett kicking to the corner.

They’lld try to drive for the line!

TRY – New Zealand… but wait will it stand?

South Africa have a scrum inside their own 22 here and New Zealand have absolutely demolished them.

But Faf de Clerk manages to win the ball.

They manage to clear up to the half-way line, but New Zealand hit back.

They move the ball down the left flank with Mo’Unga evading the tackler to break away down the left wing before offloading to Aaron Smith who crosses the white wash!

But wait… The TMO is in Wayne Barnes’ ear here and it looks like this will be pulled back, after Savea knocked it on after New Zealand won the line out.

Despite that, they’ll have a penalty after Etzebeth took the All Blacks’ jumper out in the air.

Kolisi will not receive a red card

Wayne Barnes has just advised us that Kolisi’s yellow will not be upgraded to a red.

There was a high degree of danger but there is mitigation through the change in momentum in the tackle.

Mbonambi warming up again here

So Mbonambi is warming up here on the left side.

The Spring Boks claimed it was a tactical substitution when he initially went off in the second minute of the game, but he could come back on here in what would be an interesting move.

How effective he will be when he comes back on will be another matter after suffering a nasty leg injury.

Chris Foy: ‘The theory that Bongi Mbonambi was removed from the game as a tactical decision – with a view to bringing him back on later – has gained traction as he’s just completed a warm-up with other Springbok replacements and appeared to be moving freely.

‘The hooker seemed to be in a bad way when he was helped off after a cynical neck roll on him by Shannon Frizell, so he has made quite the recovery.’

Foul play review! Kolisi is OFF

Looks like Kolisi could be in trouble here for head-on-head contact on Savea.

Gosh the replay is a nasty one too, he clashes straight into Savea’s head and it’s head on head.

He’ll see yellow and this will be reviewed, but this one may stay as a yellow as it looked as though he was a little lower in the tackle.

Both captains are now off the field!

Arendse nearly touches down!

A great kick out wide and gets the better of New Zealand. Arendse wins the race, but he knocks on just as he tried to gather the ball on the try line!

Here’s the Cane collision on Kriel…

Early break for South Africa!

And it’s Siya Kolisi who breaks through charging towards the line but they are held up just short!

It’ll be a goalline drop out to the All Blacks, but that was close for South Africa!

Inside the South Africa dressing room…

I wonder what Jacques Nienaber is saying to his side here?

The Spring Boks need to be clinical in the second half. They’ve been physical and aggressive so far and the Boks really can put some more points on the board to get ahead of New Zealand.

Handre Pollard has been on the money with his boot but they’ll be hungry to score a try here. Cheslin Kolbe and Willemse have been brilliant with the ball in hand here and Pollard will be keen to chuck it wide to them.

Here we go! Second-half coming up!

Chris Foy: Sam Cane looked absolutely devastated

Mail Sport’s Chris Foy gives his verdict on Sam Cane’s red card.

Foy: ‘Wow. Red card for Sam Cane – who looks absolutely devastated. Massive uphill task for New Zealand now. South Africa are 12-6

New Zealand's Sam Cane, left, tackles South Africa's Jesse Kriel during the Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

up in points and 15-14 up in players.’

New Zealand's openside flanker and captain Sam Cane leaves the field after receiving a yellow card during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

HT – New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

What a half of rugby that was! South Africa lead at the break with New Zealand struggling to pull the scores back.

New Zealand have had two men sent off in the first half, with Frizell having been awarded a yellow card early on in the match after he attempted to roll Bongi Mbonambi out of a ruck.

Mbonambi was subsequently taken off field after suffering the injury.

Not long after that, Sam Cane was sent off for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel. It was initially given as a yellow but was upgraded to a red.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks have looked sharp with the ball in hand, with their midfield duo of Jordie Barrett and Richie Mo’unga throwing the ball around well.

Yet, the All Blacks have lacked a lot of momentum, with the Spring Boks stepping up in defence to put some massive hits in.

South Africa now have a commanding lead and are scrapping for every inch of the field here.

Lazy running from Etzabeth

Smith tries to make a pass out the back of a ruck but Etzebeth is lazy getting back and gets in the way of the pass to concede a penalty.

NEW ZEALAND 6-12 SOUTH AFRICA

RED CARD FOR CANE

The bunker review official has upgraded Cane’s card to a RED because there was a high degree of danger from his high tackle on Jesse Kriel.

This will be the first-ever red card in a rugby World Cup Final.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Referee Wayne Barnes shows a yellow card to Sam Cane of New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
New Zealand's openside flanker and captain Sam Cane leaves the field after receiving a yellow card during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Momentum is certainly on South Africa’s side… and the win a penalty

The Spring Boks are looking sharp here. New Zealand can’t get out of their own half and they’ve ended up giving away a penalty five metres out from the All Black’s try line.

New Zealand struggling at the lineout

Under pressure, the All Blacks have managed to win a lineout on their own five metre line.

But they’ve not been at their best from the set piece, and Chris Foy has given his verdict on their set piece…

Foy: ‘New Zealand have no chance tonight if they don’t sort out their lineout, pronto. So far, it has been a terrible mess – disrupted by the Boks and undermined by wayward throwing by Codie Taylor.’

Sam Cane in trouble here!

New Zealand have now had more carries than the Spring Boks and in the last five minutes they’ve looked they’ve been growing into the game.

But this could be a huge blow for the All Blacks.

Cane hits Kriel very high making contact with his shoulder on his head.

He’s been sent to the sin bin and he could be in trouble here with the bunker review officer looking at this. It could be upgraded to a red card with Cane not dropping his body position.

South Africa fans are here in great voice!

Chris Foy: ‘There is a large contingent of South Africa fans low down in a stand next to the Springbok bench and they gave a rousing, standing ovation when their team’s replacements were led out for a warm-up by Ox Nche – the formidable prop who came on to dismantle England in the semi-final here last Saturday.’

Was that a knock-on?

Faf de Klerk looks like he’s bumped the ball forwards off the back of a scrum there and the crowd are up in arms as the referee waves play on.

Interesting decision as the ball looked like it went forwards.

New Zealand are certainly growing into this game now.

They’ve won themselves a line out on the 22 line, with their excellent pressure getting upfield to put Willemse into touch.

But they can’t make good their pressure! Etzebeth steals it to help South Africa relieve the pressure!

Some massive hits going in early on

Chris Foy: Poetry in motion

New Zealand are really chucking the ball around nicely and they have a lovely combination going on in midfield.

Chris Foy: ‘Jordie Barrett has had a fine World Cup campaign at inside centre for New Zealand and his audacious pass in that last All Black attack was another highlight.

‘Playing flat to the line, he flummoxed the Springbok defence with a no-look, back-hand release to Richie Mo’unga on the loop. Poetry in motion.’

Meanwhile, Pollard has just kicked another penalty.

NEW ZEEALAND 3-9 SOUTH AFRICA

Some excellent play from the All Blacks

With 15 men now on the pitch, New Zealand are starting to press on South Africa.

Frizell has certainly come back on to made an impact, havin made several big carries in the last two minutes.

The All Blacks have pressed well on South Africa with Smiith, Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett combining well in midfield with some lovely handling.

New Zealand have a penalty here and Richie Mo’unga now has a chance to get his side on the board with a penalty.

NEW ZEALAND 3-6 SOUTH AFRICA

The rain is pouring!

Our reporter Chris Foy, who is at the Stade de France, has given his assessment of the first 15 minutes of the match…

‘Rain lashing down again here and – this may or may not be apparent from the TV footage – the Stade de France pitch is showing signs of significant wear and tear.

‘South Africa have had some return on their early aerial barrage and New Zealand are just trying to slow everything down until they are back to a full contingent of 15 players.’

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Eben Etzebeth of South Africa is tackled by Codie Taylor and Sam Cane of New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Pollard makes it two from two!

Pollard kicks the penalty and Frizell will now come back onto the field.

The Bunker Review official had deemeed that he had not tried to target Mbonambi’s leg earlier in the match.

With 15 men back on the field, can New Zealand bounce back?

NEW ZEALAND 0-6 SOUTH AFRICA

Kolbe gets smashed again

The winger has taken a beating so far and Scott Barrett has just nailed him into the turf!

He manages to get the ball away and South Africa have managed to win a lineout on the 22.

Etzebeth brings the ball down and they maul it forward.

But New Zealand break up the attack well. South Africa are working through the phases here and Pollard breaks the line to bring them up to the five metre line.

They keep going here and they’re through quite a few phases, but New Zealand’s discupline lets them down again.

South Africa win a penalty for not rolling away.

An interesting start!

Not the start that either teams will have wanted.

New Zealand have a man in the sin bin, while South Africa are down a hooker.

The Spring Boks have managed to gain some ground here though with Pollard booting forward to gain a scrum in the All Blacks 22.

New Zealand win the scrum and Aaron Smith will clear their lines.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: In this handout image provided by World Rugby, Sam Cane of New Zealand leads the Haka prior to kick-off ahead of the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by World Rugby - Handout/World Rugby via Getty Images)
South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi (C) leaves the field after being injured during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Shannon Frizell of New Zealand leaves the pitch after receiving a yellow card during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Yellow for Frizell

Wayne Barnes has reviewed the footage and Frizell has been sent to the sin bin.

The bunker review team will review this one and it could be worse for Frizell.

It was a horrid replay to watch with Mbonabi’s leg bending in a nasty angle. He’s just left the field.

Meanwhile, referee JP Doyle has told ITV: ‘Id be very twitchy if I was Frizell now as the first directive is to protect the players. What we want to get is if there has beeen a deliberate action. We’ll look at all the angles.’

Bongi Mbonambi looks in some pain here

It’s been a really physical start, Richi Mo’unga just got knocked for six!

Meanwhile, it seems like Bongi Mbonambi is in some pain here.

He’s stayed down for some after he entered a ruck to challenge the ball but was rolled over by New Zeleand blindside Frizell. The No 6 seemed to grab his neck and roll the hooker but his weight seemed to fall on Mbonabi’s leg in an awkward move.

Looks like this could be a yellow card…

Here we go!

It’s New Zealand to get us started!

Richie Mo’unga stands on half-way with the ball and he kicks off deep into the South African 22.

Wilemsen boots the ball out for a line out!

There is some atmospehere inside the Stade de France tonight!

As we kick off, here are some of the weirdest facts from the Rugby World Cup…

And here comes the Haka!

Aaron Smith will lead the Haka for the last time in his career as an All Black!

Silence descends on the Stade de France as New Zealand form an arrow head shape in the middle of the field.

Here come the anthems!

Chris Foy has the full preview for tonight’s game below!

Ian Fosters side are smelling redemption after a turbulent few years, a win tonight will seal their fourth Rugby World Cup title!

‘He’s a true All Black’ – Sean Fitzpatrick

Not too long ago, New Zealand were struggling under Ian Foster but in in the last 12 months the All Blacks have made a resurgence in time for the Rugby World Cup.

One of those players who has helped them transition and now reach the Rugby World Cup final is Aaron Smith.

Tonight is set to be his last game in an All Blacks jersey and former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick has lauded the No 9 for his excellent international career.

‘An outstanding All Black, probably our greatest No 9. For the great Dan Carter to say I’ve loved playing with him,’ Fitzpatrick said.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Aaron Smith of New Zealand looks on prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

‘I just love what he’s about. He’s taken on the ownership of Haka which is a massive responsibility.

‘You see the way he delivers that. And I just love what he’s done. But what he’s done is brought the team together, he’s the glue of this All Black team.’

It’s a bit of a wet one in Paris tonight!

The man of the moment!

Rassie Erasmus is one of the most inventive coaches on the planet.

He’s been spotted walking around the field ahead of the match today soaking up the atmosphere which is slowly building here at the Stade de France.

He helped galvanise the side following their disappointing run of form in 2018 to now be on the verge of becoming the first team to retain their Rugby World Cup title since the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015.

After he was banned by World Rugby in 2022, Erasmus has stepped back in to his coaching role with the Spring Boks and, alongside Nienaber, has broken the mould in several ways with his creative coaching styles and directions onto the field.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Rassie Erasmus, Coach of South Africa inspects the pitch prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

From playing a 7-1 forwards to backs bench, to advising his side to take a scrum off a mark during their quarter-finals win against France, he’s certainly shown he’s one of the most creative coaches in the world right now.

So, once his time is done with the Spring Boks, where should he go next?

Well Sir Clive Woodward believes England should be eyeing up a move for the head coach as Steve Borthwick’s successor, when the England boss eventually does leave his post.

You can read Woodward’s full column for Mail Sport below…

South Africa starting XV

Jacques Nienaber’s side claimed a dramatic late victory against England in last Saturday’s semi-final.

So far they’ve had an interesting tournament, suffering a defeat by Ireland in the group stages before narrowly coming back to beat England by a point to book their place in the semi finals.

Following on from that physical encounter, the team have made two changes to their starting 15.

Opting for a change in their half-backs, Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard come in to replace Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok at No 9 and fly-half.

Interestingly Reinach and Libbok have been dropped from the squad entirely.

That means Spring Boks have opted to include only one back on their bench, full-back Willie le Roux, with Rassie Erasmus and Nienaber opting for their classic 7-1 split on the bench.

Bongi Mbonambi will start at hooker today after he was cleared by World Rugby to play after he was accused of a racial slur by England flanker Tom Curry during their semi-final clash last weekend.

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.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Jacques Nienaber, Head Coach of South Africa, arrives at the stadium prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Pieter-Steph Du Toit of South Africa arrives at the stadium prior to g the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Fans of South Africa enjoy the pre-match atmosphere prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: A fan of South Africa poses for a photo prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The All Blacks are in the house…

Ian Fosters side look pumped up and ready for tonight’s encounter,

This will be their fourth appearance in a Rugby World Cup final, having only lost once to the Spring Boks in 1995.

Can they write a different story tonight?

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Jordie Barrett of New Zealand arrives at the stadium prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Ardie Savea of New Zealand arrives at the stadium prior tog the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Jordie Barrett of New Zealand arrives at the stadium prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Sam Cane of New Zealand arrives at the stadium prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

New Zealand starting XV

Ian Foster’s side are out to undo the pain of a turbulent year, having suffered a big 7-35 defeat to the Spring Boks prior to the world cup.

In the last two years, there were doubts over the head coach’s position as the All Blacks boss, but he has stayed on guiding his side to the showpiece of the Rugby World Cup in what will be his final match in charge of New Zealand.

Tonight, Foster has made one change from the team that defeated Argentina in the semi-finals.

Brodie Retallick comes in to the starting lineup to replace veteran second row Sam Whitelock, who will drop to the bench.

Brothers Jordie, Beauden and Scott Barrett will all retain their places, as the trio start in the World Cup. Richie Mo’unga will control the play from No 10, while Sam Cane captains the side.

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.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Ian Foster, Head Coach of New Zealand, arrives at the stadium prior to the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Good evening!

Welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.

What a game we have in store tonight! It’s two goliaths of world rugby going head-to-head in a ferocious clash that will see either one of these sides claim their fourth Rugby World Cup title.

Stay with us here at Mail Sport as we’ll have all the live reaction, coverage and updates as we build up to the showpiece in Paris.

But first, let’s check in on the latest team news!

Key Updates

  • Aaron Smith bows out from international rugby

  • RED CARD FOR CANE

  • Momentum is certainly on South Africa’s side… and the win a penalty

  • Sam Cane in trouble here!

  • Yellow for Frizell

  • South Africa starting XV

  • New Zealand starting XV



[ad_2]
Post source: Daily mail

You May Also Like

Leicester Fined for Profit and Sustainability Breaches Despite Relegation

Table of Contents Hide Here we go South Africa lift the Rugby…

Kobbie Mainoo Promoted to England’s Senior Squad Despite No Player Drops

Table of Contents Hide Here we go South Africa lift the Rugby…

Postecoglou Spars with Sky Sports Interviewer After Fulham Defeat

Table of Contents Hide Here we go South Africa lift the Rugby…

Dani Alves’ £4.5m villa party continues until 5am, days after his release on bail from rape conviction

Table of Contents Hide Here we go South Africa lift the Rugby…