The final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup brings to a head the clash of the titans – South Africa and New Zealand – vying for record fourth title in France tonight.

Saturday | October 28, 2023

South Africa’s late penalty by Handrè Pollard’s with two minutes on the clock to end the semi-final match against England last Saturday set a mouthwatering date for the final duel between the ultimate giants of the biggest tournament in World Rugby – New Zealand (NZ) and South Africa (SA).

The final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) featuring the formidable SA and the thunderous NZ at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, on Saturday, Oct. 28 will start at 21h00.

For the rare defense, the Springboks (SA) eliminated England by 16-15 at the same venue they are gunning for a back-to-back world cup victory today.

Meanwhile, the rushless All Black’s (NZ) crushed Argentina 44-6 in the semi-final on Friday, Oct. 20. 

SA are the current reigning champions of this tournament staged every four years. After brushing aside Argentina in the semi-final, NZ made a resounding challenge to lay claim to the most embellished premier prize in international rugby.

Webb Ellis Cup History

Both countries have won the global showpiece three times with, on the one hand, NZ in 1987, 2011 and 2015. On the other hand, SA bagged it in 1995, 2007 and 2019 respectively.

While South Africa clinched the Webb Ellis trophy on every occasion they made it to the finals, New Zealand lost it once in the final. Ironically, they suffered a defeat to their opponents today in 1995.

Second to SA and NZ are Australia with two titles – 1991 and 1999. Equally so, they were defeated twice (2003 & 2015) in the finals.

This is the 10th edition of the RWC since its inauguration in 1987 which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

England snatch bronze

For the 3rd and 4th place, England managed to beat Argentina 26-23, one of the narrowest of victories to claim the bronze medal in Paris last night. England only won this trophy once in 2003 and lost in the finals on three occasions (1991, 2007 & 2019).

Fourth RWC quest

As current holders and having walloped NZ 28 years prior in the final, the Springboks may be itching to secure it once more.

For the All Blacks though, they may be plotting to turn the tide and flick the switch to their advantage, if a revenge is more palatable. 

Compared to SA’s route to the final in the knockout stages, New Zealand have been brutal to every opponent they faced. Viewed from this perspective, they have an upper hand coming into the final.

Although the same can not be said about their arch-rivals tonight, South Africa have been more resilient both in defensive play and finishing in style. However, their French and English matches were close calls ending in a one-point difference. Today, Springboks must be at their best all round to overthrow the All Blacks.

So the emphatic message today across the globe is that World Rugby will crown the new kings of the Webb Ellis Cup in France tonight.