SOUTH Africa are the world champions for a record-breaking fourth time, retaining the title after beating a brave New Zealand outfit that pushed them to the limit after having their captain, Sam Cane, sent off for a first-half high tackle.
This battle in Paris between the two southern hemisphere behemoths did not disappoint as a gladiatorial contest of great drama and intensity, but in the end it was “the greatest one point winners” not just of the 2023 World Cup, but of any tournament, that won day.
The mantra of this South Africa team as described by captain Siya Kolisi, is that “we are a purpose driven team, not a trophy driven team” and their aim is to give hope to the people in their country.
They achieved that goal here, pulling together as team with an iron will which over the last three weeks have beaten France, England, and now New Zealand, by single – but golden – points.
It was an advantage Kolisi and his team were determined not to relinquish, and their reward was a place in history as the second team to win back-to-back World Cups – but the first to win a fourth title.
The early exchanges did not go well for South Africa, with Bongi Mbonambi sustaining a knee injury in a ruck contest in which the New Zealand blindside, Shannon Frizell, rolled onto the hooker’s outstretched leg. Frizzell was sin binned for foul play, leaving the All Blacks facing the fired-up Springboks with only 14 men, and their discomfort was added to when Handre Pollard’s penalty punished the offence to put South Africa up 3-0.
This story is from the October 29, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 29, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
