In the heart-stopping Rugby World Cup finale at Stade de France, South Africa etched its name in rugby history, standing alone as four-time champions after a nerve-wracking 12-11 victory over arch-rivals New Zealand.

• This monumental win not only marked South Africa’s fourth Rugby World Cup title but also made them the first nation to achieve this remarkable feat.
• As the final whistle blew, the thunderous clash between titans concluded, leaving no doubt that South Africa had earned its place in rugby lore.
• The tension was palpable, the stakes sky-high, as Siya Kolisi hoisted the coveted Webb Ellis Cup, solidifying South Africa’s status as the kings of rugby.
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The journey to this historic moment was a test of resilience and skill, as they navigated a challenging pool, triumphed in nail-biting quarter and semi-finals against France and England, respectively, and ultimately held firm against the mighty All Blacks.

The final unfolded as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Springboks. Handré Pollard’s unerring boot proved to be the difference, with four penalties giving South Africa a 12-6 lead in the first half. The All Blacks, relentless despite adversity, set records of their own, with Richie Mo’unga’s two penalties and Beauden Barrett’s try—the first against the Springboks in four finals—keeping them in contention.

The drama reached its pinnacle when All Blacks captain Sam Cane received the first red card in a World Cup final, reducing his team to 14 men. Beauden Barrett’s try ignited hopes of a comeback, but missed conversions and penalties proved costly in the tight, small-margins match.

Pieter-Steph Du Toit emerged as the hero of the hour, earning the Mastercard Player of the Match for his colossal 28-tackle performance. In a game where defenses reigned supreme, Pieter-Steph’s unwavering commitment showcased the resilience that defined South Africa’s journey to glory.

Late drama unfolded as Cheslin Kolbe saw yellow for a deliberate knock-on, and Jordie Barrett missed a pivotal long-range penalty, sealing South Africa’s perfect record in finals. The elation of victory was not only felt on the field but resonated globally, with Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, joining in the celebration.

Congratulations! We never doubted your greatness. We never doubted the results. From the very beginning, we knew that your indomitable spirit was in the right place. Your refusal to accept defeat was a testament to your character. From the players who started the game to those who came off the bench, from the dedicated technical staff to the coaches, medics, and psychologists, we had faith. Losing was never an option.

// President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, lifted The Webb Ellis Cup following the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France over the weekend in Paris, France, with title photo by Julian Finney – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup ended as it began – with a spectacle of skill, determination, and passion. Four years from now, South Africa will march into Australia as defending champions, carrying with them the legacy of a team that defied the odds and etched a glorious chapter in the halls of rugby history.

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