A titanic fightback in the World Cup final saw South Africa win their 4th world title. The Springboks beat New Zealand 11-12 in a thrilling game that lost its captain to a red card before half-time.
Along with the All Blacks and Springboks, the two three-time world champions came head-to-head at the Stade de France.
Defending champions South Africa got off to a dream start. Better to get 3 points every time.
New Zealand’s game ended when All Blacks captain Sam Kane was red-carded for a serious foul before half-time. First red card in a World Cup final.
Key moment: New Zealand captain red
South Africa led 6-12 in the 2nd half. When the All Blacks scored a fantastic try, the tension seemed to return. But the attempt was canceled due to some problems in the build-up.
Moments later, Beauton Barrett put a perfect try on the scoreboard for New Zealand. With the score 11-12, we entered a very exciting final stage.
New Zealand were still reeling. Jordy Barrett had one final chance to help the All Blacks win the world title, but he missed a penalty.
With this, South Africa became the first country to win the World Cup for the 4th time.
Watch the try that gave New Zealand a comeback in the final
“It means a lot to South Africa.”
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was over the moon after his country’s 4th world title.
“South Africans don’t understand what it means to our country. This is more than a competition,” Kolisi said.
“Our country has been going through a lot and with this victory at least we have hope.”
“We want to thank all South Africans who strive and fight. This team shows that anything is possible when we work together on and off the field.”
South Africa celebrates world title
| final | ||
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | South Africa | 11-12 |
| For bronze | ||
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | England | 23-26 |
| semi-final | ||
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | New Zealand | 6-44 |
| England | South Africa | 15-16 |
| quarter final | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wales | Argentina | 17-29 |
| Ireland | New Zealand | 24-28 |
| England | PG | 30-24 |
| France | South Africa | 28-29 |
Rugby World Cup finals
Bronze medal for England in Rugby World Cup
Bronze for England
England won the bronze medal in the Rugby World Cup. A 26-23 win over Argentina at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis was a consolation prize for a narrow semi-final loss to South Africa (15-16).
The English could particularly rely on their captain Owen Farrell, who was clear with four penalties and two conversions. He gave his team a 16-10 lead at the break.
Argentinians battled hard in a sluggish second half. They took advantage of organized chaos on the field to get within three points, but England were held back 26-23.
Defending champions South Africa take on New Zealand in the final on Saturday (9pm). Both South Africa and New Zealand are looking to win their fourth World Cup title. The ‘Springboks’ won the World Cup in 1995, 2007 and 2019, while the ‘All Blacks’ won in 1987, 2011 and 2015. This will be South Africa’s fourth final and New Zealand’s fifth. In 1995, New Zealand became the sub-world champions after losing 15–12 to South Africa.
There is a chance to extend the world champion title
A close win.
Defending world champions South Africa have qualified for the finals after a thriller against England. It beat the British 16-15, but it required a strong comeback.
Four penalties made the difference to England at the break: 12-6. After the “Springboks” scored the first try of the match, they still managed to dream: 15-13.
Defending world champion Hondrey Pollard converted the penalty in a stunning finish that allowed the South Africans to still win.
The final at Stade de France is scheduled for Saturday, October 28 at 7 p.m.
Argentina is a piece of cake for New Zealand
New Zealand have easily qualified for the World Cup finals. The All Blacks beat Argentina 44-6.
The Pumas took the lead after the penalty (0-3), but New Zealand quickly put things in order. At halftime the score was already 20-6.
The All Blacks scored no less than 7 tries, 3 of which were scored by Will Jordan. This took him to 8 tries in the tournament, equaling the record of his compatriots Jonah Lomu and Julian Savea and South Africa’s Brian Habana.
The All Blacks can win their 4th World title after 1987, 2011 and 2015. This is their 5th final appearance.
They will play the winner of England-South Africa tomorrow, a re-run of the 2019 final won by the Africans.
Hosts France have been kicked out of the Rugby World Cup by South Africa
South Africa have left France fans in mourning
The Stade de France crowd of around 80,000 enjoyed 80 minutes of great rugby between host nation France and defending champions South Africa.
The first half was full of great tackles, great defensive moves and individual highlights. France led 22-19.
South Africa bowled more balls in the second half. In the end “Springboks” won 28-29 against France.
South Africa’s success was due to the strength and inspiration of a master Eben Etzebeth.
In Friday’s semi-finals, South Africa face the only remaining European nation, England. The other semi-final pits Argentina against New Zealand.
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