Historic Night in Paris
In a dramatic and rainy night in Paris, the Springboks created history by winning their second consecutive Rugby World Cup with a thrilling 12-11 victory over New Zealand at Stade de France. This nail-biting encounter saw the South Africans emerge victorious despite being reduced to 14 men twice during the match, with New Zealand’s captain, Sam Cane, also receiving a red card.
Champion of World Champions
Siya Kolisi and his team secured their fourth world title, marking South Africa’s eighth attempt at this prestigious event. This match, labeled by some as the most significant in the 150 years of international rugby history, pitted the world’s top two teams against each other, determining the champion of world champions, at least for a few years.
Discipline and Downpours
New Zealand’s performance was marred by their own lack of discipline, as two of their players received yellow cards in the first half, and one, Cane, was subsequently red-carded for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel. Kolisi also spent time in the sin bin for a high tackle, but it was downgraded due to the circumstances.
Battle in Adverse Conditions
The game was played under challenging conditions with persistent rain and slippery footing, resembling trench warfare in the world of rugby. Both teams relied on disciplined defence and precise kicking, with Handre Pollard proving to be the Springboks’ key player. Pollard’s accurate kicking, including a 50-meter penalty, put South Africa ahead as New Zealand struggled under pressure.
The Springboks’ Dominance
The opening half of the match was characterised by the Springboks’ dominance, despite their numerical disadvantage at times. The match featured limited ball movement and focused on scrums, mauls, and close-quarter plays, making discipline and accuracy paramount.
New Zealand’s Late Surge
New Zealand managed to score their only try of the match in the 58th minute through Beauden Barrett. Still, they couldn’t convert the crucial points as Richie Mo’unga’s conversion attempt missed, leaving the Boks with a narrow one-point lead as the clock ticked down to the final moments. Despite intense pressure, the Springboks held their ground and secured a historic victory.
In summary, the Springboks’ tenacity and disciplined play allowed them to triumph over New Zealand in a memorable Rugby World Cup final, earning them a well-deserved second consecutive Webb Ellis Cup.
