- South Africa won once again by a single point as they retained the title they had won in 2019 against England
- The Springboks therefore became the first country to win the World Cup four times and went down in history
- New Zealand will have to wait four more years as they were made to regret captain Sam Cane’s sending off
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For our latest episode of the series, KEVIN QUIGLEY was in Paris for the final of the Rugby World Cup.
It was South Africa who came out on top, retaining their title by a single point against New Zealand in what was a tense final that certainly lived up to expectations.
Sam Cane’s red card was a major talking point from the game, with the All Blacks captain given his marching orders for a head collision with Jesse Kriel.
But ultimately it was opposition skipper Siya Kolisi who lifted yet another World Cup trophy, before paying tribute to his country and his outgoing head coach Jacques Nienaber, who is leaving his role to join Leinster following his latest achievement.
Our man captured the best moments inside the ground including the build-up, blood, sweat and tears on what was the sport’s premier night that ended in success for the Springboks.
South Africa have come to know the Webb Ellis Cup pretty well, becoming the first country to win the World Cup four times
It was celebrations all around as the Springboks reigned once again, retaining the trophy they won against England in 2019
There was plenty of excitement from the players’ families on the pitch after the game – captain Siya Kolisi said the squad’s motivations were driven by thinking of home
A day to forget for New Zealand captain Sam Cane, who was the first player ever to be sent off in a World Cup final
New Zealand will go again in 2027, but losing by a point in the final in Paris will take some getting over for the All Blacks
South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk was tearful after securing a second successive World Cup triumph
The moment of pure euphoria as it hit the South African players that they had retained the Rugby World Cup by a point
South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard suffered a nasty gash on his cheek as blood, sweat and tears were spilled in Paris
It is very much ‘what could have been’ for the All Blacks, with regret etched on the faces of their players after the final whistle
It was the last chance of success for some New Zealanders, including Aaron Smith (centre), who led the Haka before the game
