With three World Cup titles each (from a total of nine championships), much was at stake in Saturday night’s final. After an incredibly tight fight, South Africa could title themselves world champions. This time it also means that they are in sole majesty the most champions with four WC titles.
In the first 40 minutes, it was a very tight game with both teams trading penalties and reigning champions South Africa, also known as the Springboks, having the upper hand.
First red card in a WC final
Going into the half-time break, they had a 12-6 lead and the upper hand on the pitch after New Zealand captain Sam Cane was red-carded for a rough tackle. It was the first ever red card in a World Cup final.
In the second half, chasing New Zealand were in command. They pushed to reach South Africa’s end zone for a so-called try, which carries five points.
In the end they also came through where Beauden Barrett dove into the end zone for the five-pointer. But Richie Mo’unga couldn’t put the ensuing goal kick for two points so the All Blacks were still behind, 11-12, with about 20 minutes to play.
With six minutes remaining, Jordie Barrett had an opportunity to give New Zealand the lead with a penalty, but he burned it.
“Means so much”
And the misses proved to be too costly for New Zealand, as there were no more points. South Africa played smart and held out all the way to the final whistle and took another World Cup gold.
– People who are not from South Africa do not understand what this means. For our country, this means so much. For many, we are the little hope some people have. This team shows what South Africans can achieve if we work together, says team captain Siya Kolisi after the match.