New Zealand 11-12 South Africa: Springboks win record fourth Rugby World Cup in dramatic final

Siya Kolisi becomes the first man to lift back-to-back Rugby World Cups away from home

October 29, 2023

South Africa defeated New Zealand 12-11 in a dramatic final to win their record fourth Rugby World Cup title at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

The Springboks started brightly and took the lead through a Handre Pollard penalty in the fifth minute. The All Blacks responded with a penalty of their own through Richie Mo'unga, but South Africa extended their lead to 6-3 with another Pollard penalty in the 20th minute.

The All Blacks suffered a major setback in the 27th minute when captain Sam Cane was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel. South Africa took advantage of their numerical superiority and added another penalty through Pollard to make it 9-3.

New Zealand reduced the deficit to 9-6 with a penalty from Mo'unga just before half-time.

South Africa started the second half strongly and added another penalty through Pollard to make it 12-6. The All Blacks hit back with a try from Beauden Barrett in the 50th minute, but Mo'unga missed the conversion to leave New Zealand trailing by one point.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the final minutes, but it was South Africa who held on to claim their record fourth Rugby World Cup title.

Analysis 

South Africa's victory was a triumph of teamwork and defense. The Springboks were able to weather the storm after Cane's red card and make the most of their opportunities. South Africa's defense was particularly impressive, as they were able to hold the All Blacks to just one try.

New Zealand will be disappointed to have lost the final, but they can be proud of their performance throughout the tournament. The All Blacks played some excellent rugby at times, but they were ultimately undone by South Africa's defense and their own mistakes.

South Africa's victory is a major achievement for the Springboks and their fans. It is also a sign of the growing strength of rugby in the Southern Hemisphere.