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New Zealand
11 - 12
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South Africa

New Zealand vs South Africa

Events
Commentary

Live Updates

It's all over! The referee has blown their whistle to end the game.

80'

This is dangerous for the defence as Ardie Savea bursts through to advance the New Zealand attack.

79'

This is dangerous for the defence as Dalton Papali'i bursts through to advance the New Zealand attack.

78'

This is dangerous for the defence as Pieter-Steph du Toit bursts through to advance the South Africa attack.

76'

The opposition have charged down Handre Pollard drop goal attempt!

75'

New Zealand decide to make a substitution, with Damian McKenzie getting some game time.

74'

New Zealand decide to make a substitution, with Richie Mo'unga being replaced.

74'

The touch judges have waved away the attempt by Jordie Barrett as they hook it left.

73'

South Africa decide to make a substitution, with Jasper Wiese getting some game time.

72'

South Africa decide to make a substitution, with Siya Kolisi being replaced.

72'
Yellow Card

Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) is shown a yellow card

72'

The drop goal is on its way from Cheslin Kolbe but it runs out gas over the last few metres, falling short.

70'

New Zealand decide to make a substitution, with Dalton Papali'i getting some game time.

70'

New Zealand decide to make a substitution, with Brodie Retallick being replaced.

70'

New Zealand decide to make a substitution, with Anton Lienert-Brown getting some game time.

70'

New Zealand decide to make a substitution, with Will Jordan being replaced.

70'

South Africa make a substitution with Willie Le Roux coming on.

65'

South Africa make a substitution with Damian Willemse coming off.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Finlay Christie coming on.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Aaron Smith coming off.

65'

South Africa make a substitution with Trevor Nyakane coming on.

65'

South Africa make a substitution with Frans Malherbe coming off.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Tamaiti Williams coming on.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Ethan de Groot coming off.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Samisoni Taukei'aho coming on.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Codie Taylor coming off.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Nepo Laulala coming on.

65'

New Zealand make a substitution with Tyrel Lomax coming off.

65'

The defensive line has been broken as Cheslin Kolbe goes through the gap.

64'

Richie Mo'unga has hooked the conversion to the right of the posts.

58'

Kwagga Smith comes on for South Africa.

57'

Duane Vermeulen leaves the field.

57'

Jean Kleyn comes on for South Africa.

57'

Eben Etzebeth leaves the field.

57'
Try

A penetrating move by New Zealand results in a try for Beauden Barrett.

57'

What a run here by Beauden Barrett as they get over the gainline!

57'

Mark Tele'a played a key part in that try.

57'

Sam Whitelock comes on.

54'

Shannon Frizell comes off.

54'

Ox Nche comes on.

51'

Steven Kitshoff comes off.

51'

RG Snyman comes on.

51'

Franco Mostert comes off.

51'

What a run here by Codie Taylor as they get over the gainline!

50'

Mark Tele'a makes the break as the defence re-enacts the parting of the red sea.

46'
Yellow Card

Siya Kolisi (South Africa) is shown a yellow card

44'

Pieter-Steph du Toit makes the break as the defence re-enacts the parting of the red sea.

42'

Damian Willemse has an attempt on goal with a drop kick, but it falls well short.

41'

Fabulous play by South Africa has led to Siya Kolisi being able to wriggle through a gap.

40'

The second half kicks off.

40'

The half-time whistle blows and both teams head for the dressing rooms.

40'
Penalty Goal

Richie Mo'unga has kicked a penalty goal.

37'

Fabulous play by New Zealand has led to Aaron Smith being able to wriggle through a gap.

36'
Penalty Goal

The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the penalty goal.

33'

The drop goal is on its way from Damian Willemse but it runs out gas over the last few metres, falling short.

31'
Red Card

Sam Cane (New Zealand) is shown the red card

26'
Penalty Goal

Handre Pollard does the business as their penalty goal attempt goes over.

18'
Penalty Goal

Richie Mo'unga does the business as their penalty goal attempt goes over.

16'

A gap opened in the defence and Shannon Frizell took full advantage.

13'
Penalty Goal

Handre Pollard makes no mistake with that penalty goal attempt.

12'

Deon Fourie comes on.

3'

Bongi Mbonambi comes off.

3'
Penalty Goal

Handre Pollard has kicked a penalty goal.

2'
Yellow Card

Shannon Frizell (New Zealand) is shown a yellow card

1'

We are underway as the referee blows their whistle.

0'
Load More

Match Details

New Zealand v South Africa
Rugby World Cup - Grand Final
Sat 28th October 2023, 03:00pm EDT
Stade de France

Points Flow Chart

South Africa win +1
New Zealand
South Africa
New Zealand
Time in lead
South Africa
0
Mins in lead
80
0%
% Of Game In Lead
100%
66%
Possession Last 10 min
34%
0
Points Last 10 min
0

Key Events

Full Time
Kolbe
72'
11 - 12
Barrett
11 - 12
57'
Kolisi
44'
6 - 12
Half Time
Mo'unga
6 - 12
37'
Pollard
33'
3 - 12
Cane
3 - 9
26'
Pollard
18'
3 - 9
Mo'unga
3 - 6
16'
Pollard
12'
0 - 6
Pollard
2'
0 - 3
Frizell
0 - 0
1'
Start

Win Probability

New Zealand
48%
Draw
0%
South Africa
52%
Maul-Lost by Jasper Wiese

Momentum

0'
HT
FT
New Zealand
South Africa

22m Entries

Avg. Points Scored
1.3
8
Entries
Avg. Points Scored
1
3
Entries

Attack Profile

New Zealand
South Africa
More Less More
8
22m Entries
3
1.38
22m Conversion
1
7
Line Breaks
4
149
Carries
85
34
Kicks
38
388
Post Contact Meters
191

Defence Profile

New Zealand
South Africa
More Less More
9
Dominant Tackles
12
92
Tackles Made
209
14
Tackles Missed
37
2
Turnovers Won
7
1
Tackle Turnover
3
9
Tackle Offload Allowed
11

Ruck Speed

0-3 secs
33%
25%
3-6 secs
41%
38%
6+ secs
22%
35%
115
Rucks Won
56

Last 5 Penalties

50'
52'
55'
67'
72'
New Zealand
South Africa

Other Fixtures

Comments

61 Comments
R
Rugby 396 days ago

SOUTH AFRICA

FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 0/35 (0%)

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 35/35 (100%)

Every Springbok at RWC 2023 was born and raised in South Africa. The 2019 champions have a completely homegrown roster to defend their title.

Head Coach Jacques Nienaber named Jean Kleyn on his Rugby Championship roster. Kleyn is South African born, raised and produced. Under the terminology ‘project player’, Kleyn played five Tests for Ireland, including starting against the entirely homegrown Russia at RWC 2019. He qualified via three years residency after arriving in Ireland in 2016. South Africa voted against changing Regulation 8.

Hooker Malcom Marx was injured and replaced by fly half Handre Pollard during the pool stage. Winger Makazole Mapimpi was injured in South Africa’s final pool match and replaced by Lukhanyo Am. The changes have been added to the South African roster data.


NEW ZEALAND

FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS: 8/33 (24.2%)

HOMEGROWN PLAYERS: 30/33 (90.9%)

Nine RWC 2023 All Blacks were not born in New Zealand. This is an increase from six at Rugby World Cup 2019 and four from the World Champion side from Rugby World Cup 2015.

Two qualify via family ancestry and ten via residency. The family-qualified players are Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax who both moved to New Zealand as children. de Groot did so as an infant while Lomax was schooled in both Australia and New Zealand.

Lomax moved back to Australia at the age of 13. He returned to New Zealand again aged 21. For this reason he is not considered as a homegrown All Black. He is the son of former New Zealand professional Rugby League player, John Lomax.

The residency players can be classified into two categories. First, players who moved as children. Second, players who obtained All Black eligibility as adults. Leicester Fainga’anuku moved to New Zealand aged 2 and Ofa Tu’ungafasi did so aged 14. Finlay Christie moved aged 7. Samisomi Taukei’aho is borderline as he moved to New Zealand aged 16.

Like Taukei’aho, Shannon Frizzel earned a scholarship to play in New Zealand following a tour to the country while playing for Tonga at junior level. Frizzel qualified to play for New Zealand as an adult as did rookie Emoni Narawa. He moved from Fiji to finish his final year of schooling in New Zealand. Frizzel and Narawa are not homegrown.

Ethan Blackadder replaced Narawa on the roster one day after New Zealand faced France. The change means Narawa will not play in the World Cup. As a result, the New Zealand totals have been adjusted.


SOURCE

americasrugbynews . com/

Foreign-Born / Produced / Homegrown Players at Rugby World Cup 2023

by Paul Tait August 30, 2023

R
Rugby 396 days ago

too easy, Bula

r
rayana 517 days ago

South Africa World Champions! Well deserved!

F
FW 517 days ago

Possession last 10 minutes NZ 66% SA 34%. What does that tell you? Only one thing. The dam wall did not break. to strong, well built, well construted by real know how engineers.

N
Nigel_72 517 days ago

The All Blacks won the Haka challenge prior to the match. This was obvious. Everyone could see it.

South Africa didn't even fire a shot - or have anything to say about it.

It was just glaringly evident that New Zealand were already ahead in terms of motivation, intensity and energy.

And then there was a game of rugby...

Perhaps if the All Blacks had practiced rugby during the previous week, instead of practicing screaming dancing theatrics - they might actually have been good enough to win the game that they were there for.

S
Scott 501 days ago

Then why did they dominate most the stats.

N
Nigel_72 518 days ago

The Haka is dead.

It was a challenge but it failed to overcome its opponent.

I had previously said that the All Blacks should only be given the opprtunity to perform the Haka if they had beaten their previous opponent.

Now, what right do the All Blacks have to perform the Haka - if their opponents cannot perform their corresponding 'challenge'?

Also, I think it is unfair that the world should have to be subjected to two long boring verses of New Zealand's national dirge prior to them being indoctrinated into NZ's obviously ineffective 'war challenge'.

Just sing the Maori version (white NZers - just accept it). This will cut down the boredom for the entire planet by 50%

F
FW 517 days ago

Long time ago dead mate. Even the drunks in pubs do the haka and that says a lot. Heap of shit anyway. Never watch it. Sick of it.

B
Bob Marler 518 days ago

Undisputed.

N
Nigel_72 518 days ago

It's official. New Zealand rugby is the dumbest sporting entity on the planet.

South Africa wins the war of intelligence.

NZ Rugby Board of 'woke' activists. Accepting of mediocrity and defeat.

How did your ass-slapping Haka paddle go?

Really scared the Springboks didn't it?

Give it away.

If the Haka (or whatever you call it) symbolizes NZ Rugby - then what effect does it have for the All Blacks?

Show ponies, all hype, pull aside the curtain... nothing there!

This could have been turned around - as recently as last year - before the 2nd Test at Ellis Park, when instead of firing the coach then, the Board sent in coaching reinforcements, coinciding with South Africa purposely deselecting their best player [Malcolm Marx]. So the Springboks were happy to lose a battle - in order to win the war.

The unprecendented series loss to Ireland - Foster should have been fired at that point.

And why is it that New Zealand only began to lose to Ireland since Foster joined the coaching setup since 2016?

F
FW 517 days ago

We are talking about now not yesterday or tomorrow but NOW. If you live in the past you are depressed. If you live in the future you suffer from anxiety, but if you live in the present you live very happy

P
Philip 518 days ago

what do you even mean? what do you think should have been done after firing Foz?

C
Choo 518 days ago

Wayne Barnes won the cup for SA. Damn him to hell.


He must have grown up hating the All Blacks…to him, it's a lifetime hangup.

B
Bob Marler 518 days ago

Nah. The All Blacks were outplayed. Don’t blame the ref. Lost to a magnificent team on the day. No shame in that.

A
Ace 518 days ago

Sore loser.

C
Cam 518 days ago

Nigel where are you?

A clown coach and a team with a token captain still manage to lift the cup. Again.

G
GrahamVF 517 days ago

Yup and duck it up for the next four years till South Africa does it again.

A
Ace 518 days ago

Ah, well now, Cam, I’m sure Naaitril will be along (as soon as his latest ban has been lifted) to educate you in this matter. In the meantime, allow me.


You see, neither the clown nor the token actually lifted the trophy. It was in fact lifted by the Boks’ MotM, Wayne Barnes (those Bok yellows were just smoke and mirrors, don’t be fooled) and Barnes is of course supported by world rugby’s world-wide conspiracy aimed at illegitimately propping up (for some unknown reason) SA rugby.


It is abundantly clear to anyone with half a brain (y’know, like Naaitril) that the Bok is a protected species, at least during World Cup years.


If you need more explanation, please be patient. Naaitril will be back (yeah, ok, maybe not. But he does seem to thrive on abuse.) in due time to point out that you’re a little girl rugby dunce who jumps through his hoops, yadda yadda blah fishpaste.


I post this purely as a public service in Naaitril’s absence. He will certainly be back to sort us both out.

N
Nigel_72 518 days ago

Congrats Ian Foster - selecting Sam Cane as your captain for 4 years of losses - despite all his head injuries.

I suppose Ian Foster expects to be knighted, rewarded again for losing

L
Leah 519 days ago

Pretty hollow victory for SA IMO. What a joke… Not SA fault… But they won't care anyway

A
Ace 519 days ago

Yeah, we don’t care :) 4 cups. Never lost a final. Back to back winners

L
Leah 519 days ago

Officials are dirty b#*stards

R
Rugby 396 days ago

The Officials were professional, they only dirty thing is you bitch

A
Ace 519 days ago

As a Saffa and a Bok supporter I think Frizell’s yellow is a fkn joke. Cane’s card is more debatable. He probably can’t complain about the red. I expect he won’t get too much game time under Razor.


Boks need to keep focus and discipline and play as if there are 15 ABs on the field.

R
Rugby 396 days ago

both cards were clearly red. Boks innovation 7-1 split. wow. what to the Pacific lions do? try injure the main hooker. Well done Deon you showed them. hitman, Shannon Michael Frizell from Folaha, Tonga has rep of being a bully, - see Dunedin court news. Cane was just lazy and poorly coached

L
Leah 518 days ago

No comment on Kalisi’s then?

N
Nigel_72 519 days ago

Champion Sam Whitelock retires from international rugby as a winner

m
marrely 519 days ago

is the game being livestreamed here?

B
Bob Marler 519 days ago

En die manne van die Kiwi. Het nie meer wind nie, het ‘n wee-wee.


Maak ‘n ha, maak ‘n ha, maak ‘n ha ka kak

L
Lance 519 days ago

go all blacks will win hans dowen

G
GrahamVF 517 days ago

Nonwen you woent.

r
robert sutadi 518 days ago

Yeah sure you will lancelotnot

J
Juan Pedro 519 days ago

is the game being streamed live here

s
samantinio 519 days ago

All Blacks all the way

R
Rugby 396 days ago

all the way down

I
Ivy 519 days ago

South Africa is going to win today

P
Paul 519 days ago

Nah bro South Africa is going to win bru

M
Michael 519 days ago

Boks were beaten by Ireland, and England gave their game plan a real dust up…….so All Blacks this time

B
Bob Marler 520 days ago

Let’s just agree that the best team wins tomorrow.

G
GrahamVF 517 days ago

Please tell the sour grape mouthed Kiwis that.

R
Rust 520 days ago

For the life of me I cannot find way to subscribe and pay for the RWC final (I am located in Afghanistan, but use all the possible VPNs).

N
Nigel_72 521 days ago

Tiny All Blacks have no chance.

Springboks selected radical bench 7-1 forward split. Bomb squad in second half to shatter any All Black dreams...

Ultra conservative AB selections - based on loyalty to Fozzies' old mates in the team (who ensured he kept his job last year - when he should have been fired).

No Roigard, No Fainga'anuku, no chance.

Only hope for ABs is to put on as big a margin between themselves and the Boks before the Boks reserves come on...

Even then (just like at Mt Smart stadium vs the Boks this winter), ABs will decide [under the guise of 'liberalism' - give the other guys a chance] - to kick the ball the South Africa, to hope they magically knock the ball on...

Predictable low-percentage box kicks from the halfback, and no running around the ruck. NZ forwards gaining no turnovers, but conceding plenty [I have seen this movie before].

Having good field position used to translate to retaining the ball in hand, maintaining the pressure on the opponent's defence.

The entire All Blacks' game plan is based on kicking. The ABs think they can win a World Cup by kicking the ball to the opposition and tackling all day...

M
Michael 519 days ago

Ya dreamin mate!

M
MO 521 days ago

The 7+1 yielded a 35-7 defeat of the All Blacks eight weeks ago.


Rassie has unleashed the 7+1 again. Basically saying to New Zealand - come and get the trophy. Try and take it off our hands. You might beat our starting line up in the first fifty minutes, but can you also beat the nuclear bomb squad in the last thirty?


This is what will decide the trophy.

f
fl 523 days ago

If South Africa win this match they will have overcome the most difficult world cup draw in history and will be spoken about as one of the greatest teams ever assembled.


If South Africa lose this match they will prove themselves to be - much like 2019 England - a team who were never serious world cup contenders but managed to get to a final purely through their ability to peak for a single crucial knockout game.


Either way Jacques and Rassie will have proven themselves to be the best coaching duo in the history of the sport and will have achieved far, far more than I thought was possible a month ago!

T
Tim 521 days ago

Blimey Finn. You might want to turn the hyperbole down a couple of notches. It's a world cup up for grabs not immortality.

B
Bob Marler 521 days ago

What will the ABs prove if they win?

O
Oliver 522 days ago

Hello Finn, thank you for your comment.You are aware that the Springboks and the All Blacks have won the Cup 3x each.So, I tend you disagree with your comment. I will not even ask where you from … I do not even want to guess. The All Blacks and Springboks are worthy contenders, playing the ball and not kicking it. So whoever wins or takes 2nd place - I am sure will be honored to have played against another Southern Hemisphere excellent team. Case closed.

J
Juan 523 days ago

I agree fully, taking the crucial opportunities when they count often win games, but they have to be consistent if they want to beat the All Blacks who are currently in a great position, they are playing amazing rugby, so it is going to be close if both teams are in great form

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Who Will Win?

New Zealand enter this clash with South Africa as slight favourites. However, this Rugby World Cup final really is anyone’s game.

The All Blacks have earned the ‘favourites’ label because they easily cruised past Argentina in their semi-final, while the Springboks edged past England by the skin of their teeth.

That said, both of these sides are in good form and have only lost one game during the tournament. Plus, both of these squads have won the Rugby World Cup three times before, meaning they both know how to handle the pressure on the biggest stage of them all.

Think you know which way New Zealand vs South Africa will go? Vote in our poll.

Head-to-Head

Amazingly, the All Blacks hold a winning record against every international team they’ve ever played. However, in the last five meetings between these two teams, South Africa have won three games while New Zealand have only won two. The Springboks have also won both of the last two games between the sides, including a comprehensive victory over the All Blacks just before the tournament began.

History tells us that the first try in New Zealand vs South Africa games is vital. This is because the team that has scored the first try has won the fixture 80% of the time!

Team Form

Both sides come into this game in fine form. However, while South Africa struggled to squeeze past a spirited England side in their semi-final, New Zealand demolished Argentina 44-6 and look as though they are peaking at just the right time.

Below our team form guide, you can see in-depth stats about how the two sides have performed in their last five games, including stats about the number of tries they’ve scored, their overall points difference and the number of times they’ve scored the first try. New Zealand have the edge in many of these categories, but it takes a brave person to bet against the Springboks.

Player Head-to-Head

Rugby World Cup finals are often decided by one moment of individual brilliance. After all, who can forget Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal in the 2003 final?

With this in mind, here’s how Richie Mo'unga and Manie Libbok have performed in recent games between the two countries. Could either of these fly-halves produce a moment of magic that could win the Rugby World Cup for their country?

Other Fixtures

The Rugby World Cup final is undoubtedly the pick of the action this weekend. But, before New Zealand vs South Africa kicks off, take a look at all of the recent fixtures and get a sense of how each side has been performing.

New Zealand vs South Africa 2023: Detailed Match Preview

On Saturday 28th October, 2023, New Zealand will face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris.

This promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams that are at the peak of their powers. New Zealand enter the clash in fine form. Since they were defeated by France in the opening game of the tournament, they’ve been imperious and have won each game they’ve played at a canter. They even put 44 points past Argentina in their semi-final!

Meanwhile, South Africa, who are the reigning world champions, also come into this game playing some of their best rugby. Although they were pushed to the limit by England in their semi-final, the Springboks have been playing with a point to prove since they were defeated by Ireland in the pool stage.

This particular clash looks set to be one for the ages. After all, both teams are evenly matched and feature two colossal packs that won’t give ground to the other.

Whichever team wins will become the first country to win the Webb Ellis Cup four times - we can’t wait to see which captain is holding the trophy aloft on Saturday evening. Let us know what you think will happen in the comments.

When was the first New Zealand vs South Africa game? When was the first New Zealand vs South Africa game?

The first New Zealand vs South Africa game took place in 1921 at Carisbrook in Dunedin. New Zealand won this game 13-5.

Have New Zealand ever played against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup? Have New Zealand ever played against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup?

Yes. This will be the sixth time that New Zealand have faced South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.

So far, New Zealand have won three Rugby World Cup matches against South Africa, while the Springboks have won two. However, South Africa claimed victory in the most important of these matches: the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.

Have South Africa ever beaten New Zealand? Have South Africa ever beaten New Zealand?

Yes. New Zealand and South Africa have faced each other in test matches 105 times since 1921. New Zealand have won 62 of these test matches, but South Africa have won 39. A further four have ended in a draw.

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