SOUTH Africa are the world champions for a record-breaking fourth time, retaining the title after beating a brave New Zealand outfit that pushed them to the limit after having their captain, Sam Cane, sent off for a first-half high tackle.
This battle in Paris between the two southern hemisphere behemoths did not disappoint as a gladiatorial contest of great drama and intensity, but in the end it was “the greatest one point winners” not just of the 2023 World Cup, but of any tournament, that won day.
The mantra of this South Africa team as described by captain Siya Kolisi, is that “we are a purpose driven team, not a trophy driven team” and their aim is to give hope to the people in their country.
They achieved that goal here, pulling together as team with an iron will which over the last three weeks have beaten France, England, and now New Zealand, by single – but golden – points.
It was an advantage Kolisi and his team were determined not to relinquish, and their reward was a place in history as the second team to win back-to-back World Cups – but the first to win a fourth title.
The early exchanges did not go well for South Africa, with Bongi Mbonambi sustaining a knee injury in a ruck contest in which the New Zealand blindside, Shannon Frizell, rolled onto the hooker’s outstretched leg. Frizzell was sin binned for foul play, leaving the All Blacks facing the fired-up Springboks with only 14 men, and their discomfort was added to when Handre Pollard’s penalty punished the offence to put South Africa up 3-0.
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