There has never been a four-time men’s rugby world cup champion. And this did feel like a truly historic occasion, even on a rainy Parisian evening. You can temporarily put an end to disputes about whether country plays rugby better than South Africa, as they have successfully defended their title.
What a titanic, balancing competition it was. It is going to be known as the story of the two captains. One of the most iconic pictures from the sport was captured when Siya Kolisi. The first black rugby captain from South Africa, raised the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan four years ago. Today, every Springbok fan experiences a wonderful sensation of déjà vu.
Springboks hang tough
From the beginning, the two teams went at it with full force, leaving the Stade de France resounding with the sound of a haka. Mo’unga was levelled by Eben Etzebeth to both applause and groans. However, both players were removed from the game, one temporarily and the other permanently, as a result of Shannon Frizell’s frantic attempt to remove South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonami from a breakdown.
Review revealed that Frizell received a yellow card for an unsightly neck roll clear-out. The sole specialist hooker for the Springboks, Nbonambi, was injured and had to leave the game. After Nbonambi was replaced by flanker-turned-forward Deon Fourie, his team exploited the man advantage. During the powerplay, Pollard, whose accuracy off the tee helped him earn a starting position, sank two penalties.
Red Card for Captain
South Africa had the lead in the first half thanks to four kicks from Handre Pollard and a red card for New Zealand captain Sam Cane, the first in a Rugby World Cup final, for a high tackle. The All Blacks rallied strongly in the second half, even though they were down a man, and were within a point thanks to a score from Beauden Barrett. Later, his brother Jordie Barrett had a chance to seal New Zealand’s historic comeback win, but he missed a long-range penalty in the closing seconds.
The All Blacks were supposed to remain composed, but instead they lost it for a while. After Cane’s costly error, a few lineouts went awry, and before long, they were down to 14 men again. When word got out that Cane would not be making a comeback, Pollard was setting up to take advantage of a turnover penalty gained by South Africa. The kick was over, and New Zealand faced immediate opposition.
Greatest Rugby Side Ever
Matt Dawson, the 2003 World Cup winner for England said. We have seen what I believe to be the best rugby team in history. The manner they have advanced through both their group and the knockout stages of this event is really amazing. “I don’t think it will ever be surpassed, and it has all been achieved with the target of current world champions on their back.”
An Amazing Achievement
“Unbelievable” was how former South Africa captain Bobby described the feat. I’m crying; this is such an incredible accomplishment. It’s a memorable occasion to witness Siya Kolisi raise the trophy for the second time. “I applaud New Zealand in a game like that. It completely fulfilled our expectations in terms of the match we were hoping for.
All Blacks
The All Blacks were supposed to remain composed, but instead they lost it for a while. After Cane’s costly error, a few lineouts went awry, and before long, they were down to 14 men again. When word got out that Cane would not be making a comeback, Pollard was setting up to take advantage of a turnover penalty gained by South Africa. The kick was over, and New Zealand faced immediate opposition.