South Africa win 2023 Rugby World Cup

October 29, 2023

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South Africa have beaten the All Blacks to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

South Africa secured the 12-11 victory on the back of a strong defensive display and some dubious decisions that went against the men in black.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane was sent off towards the end of the first half following a high tackle on a South African player. New Zealand also had a yellow card to flanker Shannon Frizzel.

South Africa led the game 12-6 at half time as both sides traded penalties. A second half try to New Zealand lock Beauden Barrett, from a forward pass, gave New Zealand hope and reduced the margin to 1 point.

A key moment in the second half was when South African captain Cheslin Kolbe was yellow carded for head contact on Ardie Savae. In a decision that will only add to the All Black/South African rivalry, Tom Foley serving as the television match official, didn’t upgrade the yellow to a red.

However, despite the decision both Ritchie Mo’unga and Jordan Barrett both missed kicks at goal, one conversion and one penalty, which would have given the All Blacks the lead.

South Africa have now won the tournament 2 times running and have become the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times. The last time the two teams played in a World Cup final was in 1995.