![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/5037088.jpg?r=1698530904542\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
South Africa won their second straight Rugby World Cup with a famous 12-11 victory over New Zealand, who were reduced to 14 men before half-time at the Stade de France. The Springboks were helped massively when All Blacks captain Sam Cane was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel and made their extra man count to win by a single point on rugby’s biggest international stage.<\/p>\n
Handre Pollard was the star of the show for the Springboks, with the 29-year-old kicking every single point to keep New Zealand at bay. South Africa had it largely all their own way in the first half, but things changed quickly after the break as the All Blacks refused to go down without a fight.<\/p>\n
Beauden Barrett scored the game’s only try to get New Zealand to within a point of their rivals as the clock ticked down, but it was not enough to inspire a dramatic late comeback. The result saw South Africa become the first team to lift the Rugby World Cup on four occasions, with the Springboks winning all of their knockout games by just one point each.<\/p>\n
Recap Express Sport’s live updates below.<\/strong><\/p>\n That’s all we’ve got time for tonight.<\/p>\n Thanks for joining us to follow the Rugby World Cup final, with South Africa emerging victorious after edging out New Zealand by a single point.<\/p>\n We’re wrapping up our live blog now but stay tuned to Express Sport for all the best reaction as the dust continues to settle on what was a highly entertaining showpiece match.<\/p>\n Catch you soon!<\/p>\n “Honestly, there is so much going wrong in our country, we are the last line of defence,” says Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.<\/p>\n “So many people are helpless and there is so much division but we show there is hope. Look what the sport did in 1995.<\/p>\n “Without that, I wouldn’t be here, there were people before that who fought for people that look like me to be in the jersey.<\/p>\n “We knew New Zealand would come more after the red card. That is why they have been so successful over they years and then obviously my moment of naughtiness cost us with a yellow card.<\/p>\n “We have played against teams who have done this before. Nobody gave England a chance when they played us and they showed who they are, and then New Zealand today. I’m really proud of what the boys have done.”<\/p>\n “We came a long way with the players,” says a beaming Jacques Neinaber as he reflects on South Africa’s latest Rugby World Cup triumph.<\/p>\n “We always planned for this World Cup, since 2018. Massive credit to our fans. They were special from South Africa, 62 million people, the videos we had to play from them.<\/p>\n “It was unbelievable. The main thing is they’re a squad. They have been in a World Cup final before, some of them have played their third World Cup now.<\/p>\n “I think the experience pulled them through. They are an amazing bunch of guys, they are all warriors and they all love South Africa.”<\/p>\n Here’s the moment Siya Kolisi will have been dreaming about last night as he collects the Webb Ellis Cup!<\/p>\n “I am extremely gutted and disappointed,” says New Zealand captain Sam Cane, who was shown a red card just before half-time.<\/p>\n “First of all, that the guys had to play with 14 men for the last 50-odd minutes. I thought the courage they showed out here tonight was incredible, the whole team are absolute warriors.<\/p>\n “It’s tough, I would like to say well done to South Africa. Back-to-back winners, they have been a fantastic team.”<\/p>\n There are plenty of glum faces as New Zealand’s players and staff go up to collect their silver medals.<\/p>\n They came so close to winning their fourth Rugby World Cup but have nothing to show for their efforts apart from the medal that nobody wants.<\/p>\n “The last three games have been quite tough, each one we have played has been a final and each one we have won by one point,” says Springboks forward Pieter-Steph du Toit in his post-match interview with ITV Sport<\/em>.<\/p>\n “As a team we like drama. It has helped us through the last few years, it shows the resilience of this team.<\/p>\n “We are honoured to play for the whole of South Africa and the Springboks. When we go back home it will be a warm welcome for us. Thank you to everyone.”<\/p>\n “It is elation and relief for South Africa, but that is what you play the game for,” says former England lock Martin Johnson on BBC Radio 5 Live<\/em>.<\/p>\n “They have had such a tough draw and South Africa have had to beat the hosts. A dramatic game last week, but it suited them tonight. New Zealand did not have a Plan B.”<\/p>\n South Africa remarkably managed to win all of their knockout stage matches by a single point on each occasion.<\/p>\n Fine, fine margins!<\/p>\n England legend Matt Dawson believes that South Africa’s current group of players might just be the greatest international side to ever grace a rugby pitch.<\/p>\n “I think we have witnessed the greatest ever rugby side,” he tells BBC Radio 5 Live.<\/p>\n “What they have just done in this tournament is simply remarkable. The way they have come through their group and the knockouts, it is remarkable.<\/p>\n “I don’t think it will ever be surpassed and all with the label as current world champions with that target on their back.”<\/p>\n South Africa have won the Rugby World Cup for the second time in a row!<\/p>\n They were made to work exceptionally hard by New Zealand but held on brilliantly to secure a famous victory by a single point.<\/p>\n There are tears of joy on the pitch and in the stands as the celebrations begin at the Stade de France.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, it’s a heartbreaking defeat for the All Blacks, who were forced to play with 14 men for the majority of the contest.<\/p>\n New Zealand have the ball in their hands as we enter the 79th minute…<\/p>\n Handre Pollard attempts a drop goal to make sure of the win for South Africa but it’s charged down at the last second.<\/p>\n It ends up with New Zealand winning a scrum deep inside their own half.<\/p>\n There are just four minutes left on the clock at the Stade de France, with South Africa doing all they can to protect their one-point lead.<\/p>\n Can they get the job done or will the All Blacks have the final say?<\/p>\n Mark Tele’a breaks through but is stopped before getting too close to the Springboks try line.<\/p>\n It’s eventually pulled back for a penalty to New Zealand for a deliberate knock-on, which earns Cheslin Kolbe a yellow card.<\/p>\n It means that South Africa will be forced to see out this match with just 14 players.<\/p>\n Jordie Barrett is going for the posts from long range… but it’s just wide!<\/p>\n South Africa move the ball smartly from a line-out before Willie le Roux finds touch with a grubber kick, which appeared to be heading in the direction of Cheslin Kolbe before bouncing out of play.<\/p>\n This game has burst into life following Beauden Barrett’s try for the All Blacks.<\/p>\n Both teams are giving their all to gain the upper hand but it’s still finely poised as we enter the closing stages of the Rugby World Cup final.<\/p>\n 15 minutes to go…<\/p>\n This one counts!<\/p>\n New Zealand play it safe from a line-out before driving the ball within metres of the Springboks try line.<\/p>\n They fail to make any progress in the next couple of phases before a brilliant cross-field kick finds Mark Tele’a out wide.<\/p>\n Beauden Barrett then picks up the loose ball and dives over to score!<\/p>\n There’s a hint of a forward pass in the build-up but nothing is given by referee Wayne Barnes.<\/p>\n Richie Mo’unga misses the extras, though, meaning that South Africa still lead for now.<\/p>\n Ardie Savea breaks away with a clever side-step before finding Aaron Smith, who dives over the line for the first try of the evening!<\/p>\n Oh, hang on… it’s been ruled out for a knock-on in the build-up.<\/p>\n A quick TMO check reveals that Ardie Savea was the player at fault.<\/p>\n It’s a huge let-off for the Springboks!<\/p>\n The All Blacks win a penalty as Pieter-Steph du Toit infringes at the breakdown.<\/p>\n New Zealand decide against kicking for goal, though, as Beauden Barrett finds touch for an attacking line-out.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Siya Kolisi’s yellow card WILL NOT be upgraded to a red due to ‘mitigating factors’ despite a ‘high degree of danger’ in the tackle.<\/p>\n New Zealand come forward as Ardie Savea plays a cute pass to Richie Mo’unga, who knocks on under pressure to concede a scrum.<\/p>\n Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is shown a yellow card for a high tackle, similar to the one that saw Sam Cane sent off in the first half.<\/p>\n Will it be upgraded to a red or will Kolisi get away with it? We’ll soon find out…<\/p>\n Cheslin Kolbe latches onto a hopeful grubber-kick and slides over the line… but dips a foot into touch before dropping the ball without grounding it.<\/p>\n It’s been a strong start to this second half from the Springboks, who are in full control with the extra man.<\/p>\n Siya Kolisi gallops away to put South Africa within inches of the All Blacks try line!<\/p>\n His team-mates are unable to drive the ball over, though, and it’s eventually kicked away from danger.<\/p>\n Handre Pollard kicks off to begin the second half, with South Africa just 40 minutes away from winning their second straight Rugby World Cup…<\/p>\n South Africa lead New Zealand by six points at the halfway stage of the Rugby World Cup final.<\/p>\n The All Blacks will have to play the rest of this match with 14 men after Sam Cane was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel just a few minutes ago.<\/p>\n We’re all set up for a pulsating second half at the Stade de France, which is coming up shortly…<\/p>\n All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane goes agonisingly close to scoring the first try of the evening but Cheslin Kolbe is there to make a brilliant covering tackle.<\/p>\n However, it’s pulled back for an earlier infringement and Richie Mo’unga kicks for another three points.<\/p>\n South Africa’s forwards manage to force another penalty within kicking range for Handre Pollard, who slots home to compound the All Blacks’ misery.<\/p>\n Wow! Sam Cane’s yellow card is upgraded to a red for a ‘high degree of danger’ in the tackle!<\/p>\n He looks on helplessly with his head in his hands. New Zealand have just given themselves a mountain to climb to win the Rugby World Cup tonight.<\/p>\n South Africa run the ball through the backs following a scrum in midfield.<\/p>\n Cheslin Kolbe comes within metres of latching onto a well-placed grubber kick but it’s just too far ahead of him and the All Blacks will have a line-out.<\/p>\n All Blacks skipper Sam Cane is sent to the bin after a quick TMO review!<\/p>\n It’s clearly a high tackle and it could soon be upgraded to a red card if the offence is deemed serious enough.<\/p>\n South Africa have been far better than New Zealand at the breakdown and the line-out in this first half.<\/p>\n They end up conceding a scrum due to an unforced error, though, as Handre Pollard knocks on.<\/p>\n Hang on, the TMO is looking at a tackle in the build-up which saw head-to-shoulder contact…<\/p>\n A handling error from All Blacks flanker Will Jordan gives South Africa a scrum near the halfway line.<\/p>\n They attempt to move the ball to the opposite flank with a cross-field kick, but it’s too long and goes into touch.<\/p>\n Handre Pollard restores South Africa’s six-point lead with a long-range kick that dips just over the crossbar.<\/p>\n New Zealand were uncharacteristically sloppy at the restart, conceding another penalty within seconds.<\/p>\n New Zealand respond by working their way into South Africa’s half before winning a penalty of their own at the breakdown.<\/p>\n Richie Mo’unga goes on to convert his kick with ease to halve the deficit.<\/p>\n South Africa charge forward as they look to take advantage of their extra man.<\/p>\n They end up winning another penalty, with Handre Pollard dividing the posts from close range for three more points.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Shannon Frizell’s yellow card will not be upgraded to a red.<\/p>\n A high kick from Handre Pollard puts the All Blacks under pressure in their own half but it’s eventually scrambled away to safety.<\/p>\n It’s been a nervy start from New Zealand, who will certainly be looking to gain a foothold in this match as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n Handre Pollard gets the Springboks on the board with his kick but only after hitting the inside of the left post.<\/p>\n However, it’s a devastating blow for Bongi Mbonambi, who is forced off with an injury before play restarts.<\/p>\n It’s an early yellow card for All Blacks lock Shannon Frizell!<\/p>\n He is pinged for a dangerous tackle on Bongi Mbonambi, who is still receiving treatment on the pitch.<\/p>\n South Africa will have a chance to draw first blood here, with Handre Pollard lining up a penalty kick.<\/p>\n Bongi Mbonambi falls to the turf and appears to be in quite some pain.<\/p>\n The Springboks don’t have a specialist hooker on the bench and will be desperate to avoid making an early change.<\/p>\n Beauden Barrett sends the ball high into the air and we are underway at the Stade de France!<\/p>\n Who’s your money on here?<\/p>\n The two teams emerge from the tunnel to a huge roar from the crowd at the Stade de France, which is packed to the rafters.<\/p>\n Both sets of players belt out their respective national anthems before the All Blacks treat us to a rousing rendition of their traditional pre-match haka.<\/p>\n Here’s another reminder of the starting line-ups for the Rugby World Cup final…<\/p>\n New Zealand<\/strong>: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax; Retallick, S Barrett; Frizell, Cane, Savea.<\/p>\n South Africa<\/strong>: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe; Etzebeth, Mostert; Kolisi, Du Toit, Vermeulen.<\/p>\n England legend Martin Johnson appears to be backing South Africa after being left impressed by the intensity of their warm-up routine.<\/p>\n “I have just watched them both warm up and you could not really read much into it until South Africa did their team run,” he tells BBC Radio 5 Live<\/em>.<\/p>\n “They were so utterly direct. You know what you are going to get from them!”<\/p>\n Draws in rugby are usually rare, with only one pool stage match at this year’s Rugby World Cup ending level at full-time.<\/p>\n If a knockout game is drawn, two extra 10-minute halves will be played in a bid to determine a winner.<\/p>\n If a game is still tied after extra time, whoever scores first in an additional 10-minute period of sudden death will be declared the winner.<\/p>\n A kicking competition will take place as a last resort if there is still nothing to separate the two teams after sudden death.<\/p>\n Rugby’s most famous band of brothers will be hoping to do themselves proud by helping the All Blacks to a famous victory this evening.<\/p>\n Scott, Jordie and Beauden Barrett will become the first trio of siblings to play in a final after being named to start against South Africa.<\/p>\n They have already featured in more than 200 international games between them. What on earth did their parents feed them as children?<\/p>\n Wayne Barnes will be the man with the whistle tonight as he takes charge of his first Rugby World Cup final.<\/p>\n The Englishman has long been recognised as one of rugby’s best referees and will be trusted to avoid putting a foot wrong on the biggest stage of them all.<\/p>\n South Africa head coach Jacques Neinaber has already given his reasons for only naming one back on the bench for tonight’s Rugby World Cup final.<\/p>\n “It could have been six-two, five-three, it doesn’t matter,” he said.<\/p>\n “You select a team that you think can get a result. The 23 [players] were selected for a reason, and the reason is we think they can deliver and win us a back-to-back World Cup.<\/p>\n “How did the other guys take it? We explain to the whole squad why we are going a certain route. It is not about individual selection, it is for South Africa.”<\/p>\n Tonight’s final will take place at the majestic Stade de France, where rain has been falling throughout the day.<\/p>\n Howling winds have also been swirling in Paris as we approach kick-off, which is just under an hour away.<\/p>\n Let’s just hope the conditions don’t spoil what should be a cracking match between two rugby powerhouses.<\/p>\n Ian Foster, who will be replaced after the Rugby World Cup regardless of today’s result, will certainly be looking to go out with a bang by leading the All Blacks to international glory.<\/p>\n “The fact is we have two teams who have been old foes for a long time,” he said earlier this week.<\/p>\n “We all remember the last final between us [in 1995], which was an epic, and hopefully this one will be the same. Then you do the maths and someone is going to win a fourth, so it\u2019s special isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n “We\u2019ve got massive regard for each other, massive respect for them as country in how they play. It\u2019s a pretty cool one to get ready for.”<\/p>\n Mark Cueto believes that New Zealand may have already peaked too early, just as England did four years ago, which could give South Africa the edge tonight.<\/p>\n “My concern for them is they may have played their World Cup final a game too early like England did in 2019,” wrote Cueto in his Express Sport<\/em> column.<\/p>\n “South Africa were well under par against England and they will get a reaction from that tonight. They will be better for sure.<\/p>\n “Will New Zealand? I can\u2019t see it.”<\/p>\n Head coach Ian Foster has opted to bring Brodie Retallick into the second row in place of Sam Whitelock, who drops to the bench.<\/p>\n That aside, it will be the same group of players who made light work of Argentina in the last four.<\/p>\n Here’s a look at how the Springboks will line up tonight.<\/p>\n The return of half-backs Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard are the only two changes from the side which beat England in the semi-finals.<\/p>\n Full-back Willie le Roux is the only back on the bench, with head coach Jacques Nienaber opting for a radical seven-one split in favour of the forwards.<\/p>\n Hello and welcome to Express Sport<\/em>‘s live coverage of the Rugby World Cup final.<\/p>\n We’re all set for a titanic battle between the Springboks against the All Blacks, with both teams looking to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy for a record-breaking fourth time.<\/p>\n Will South Africa defend their 2019 title with a famous win tonight? Or will New Zealand return to the top of the international pecking order with a victory of their own?<\/p>\n Kick-off is just two hours away and we’ll be on hand to keep you updated with the action as it happens.<\/p>\nKEY EVENTS<\/h4>\n
Goodbye<\/h3>\n
Kolisi ‘really proud’<\/h3>\n
Nienaber: They’re all warriors<\/h3>\n
Kolisi lifts the trophy<\/h3>\n
Cane ‘extremely gutted’<\/h3>\n
All Blacks collect medals<\/h3>\n
‘As a team we like drama’<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/5037937.jpg?1698528665689\")
<\/p>\nJohnson questions All Blacks plan<\/h3>\n
Big-game players<\/h3>\n
Rugby’s greatest ever team?<\/h3>\n
SOUTH AFRICA WIN THE RUGBY WORLD CUP!<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (79)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (77)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (76)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (73)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (69)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (65)<\/h3>\n
TRY! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa (60)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (54)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (52)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (48)<\/h3>\n
SIN BIN! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (46)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (45)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (43)<\/h3>\n
Back underway<\/h3>\n
Half time<\/h3>\n
PENALTY! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa (38)<\/h3>\n
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-12 South Africa (35)<\/h3>\n
RED CARD! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (34)<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/5037816.jpg?1698522623513\")
<\/p>\nNew Zealand 3-9 South Africa (32)<\/h3>\n
SIN BIN! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (30)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (29)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (24)<\/h3>\n
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa (21)<\/h3>\n
PENALTY! New Zealand 3-6 South Africa (18)<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/5037806.jpg?1698521563128\")
<\/p>\nPENALTY! New Zealand 0-6 South Africa (12)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 0-3 South Africa (8)<\/h3>\n
PENALTY! New Zealand 0-3 South Africa (4)<\/h3>\n
SIN BIN! New Zealand 0-0 South Africa (4)<\/h3>\n
New Zealand 0-0 South Africa (3)<\/h3>\n
Kick-off<\/h3>\n
Here we go!<\/h3>\n
Springboks ‘utterly direct’<\/h3>\n
What happens if the scores finish level?<\/h3>\n
A family affair<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/5037741.jpg?1698517909714\")
<\/p>\nWho is tonight’s referee?<\/h3>\n
Neinaber explains bench split<\/h3>\n
Wet and windy in Paris<\/h3>\n
Foster: It’s a special one<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/69\/590x\/secondary\/5037694.jpg?1698515303877\")
<\/p>\nCueto ‘concerned’ for All Blacks<\/h3>\n
New Zealand team news<\/h3>\n
South Africa team news<\/h3>\n
Good evening<\/h3>\n
\n