The Springboks have etched their name in rugby history, becoming the first team to win four Rugby World Cup titles.
Springboks make history in epic 2023 RWC final victory
A thrilling showdown at the Stade de France on Saturday culminated in the Springboks emerging victorious against the All Blacks, adding a fourth Rugby World Cup to their trophy cabinet.
South Africa led 12-6 at halftime, thanks to four penalties from Handre Pollard, while New Zealand’s Richie Mo’unga contributed two. The sin-binning of All Blacks marred the first-half flanker Shannon Frizell, leading to the exit of Springbok Bongi Mbonambi due to injury.
The match reached a dramatic pitch when New Zealand’s captain, Sam Cane, was red-carded for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel.
This marked the first time a player was sent off in a Rugby World Cup final. Despite being a man down, the All Blacks staged a comeback. South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, received a yellow card, while Aaron Smith’s potential try was ruled out due to an earlier knock-on.
Beauden Barrett finally broke through South Africa’s defences, scoring a try and narrowing the lead to a single point.
The closing moments were rife with tension. Cheslin Kolbe of the Springboks was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, setting the stage for Jordie Barrett’s long-range penalty attempt.
A successful kick could have snatched the title for New Zealand. However, Barrett missed, sealing a historic win for the Springboks.
Mastercard Player of the Match, Pieter-Steph du Toit, summed up the team’s journey, stating:
“The last three games have been quite tough. We played each one as a final and each one was won by one point. It shows the resilience of the team.”
