South Africa clinched the 2023 Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the first country to do so, setting a whole new world record. France provided an ideal spectacle as the host of this prestigious global showpiece throughout until this significant night.

Saturday | October 28, 2023

South Africa (SA) defended the Webb Ellis Cup by beating New Zealand 12-11 in Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside of Paris in France on Saturday, Oc 28, 2023.

The epic battle between these two world-renowned rugby nations was on the knife edge from the first whistle right to the exhilarating yet intriguing end.

SA were forced to rearrange the squad when hooker Bongi Mbonambi sustained an injury within three minutes from kick off. Mbonambi is not only an essential pillar of the pack, but a vice captain who usually provides leadership when at momentuos occasions.

Affectionately known as Springboks, they managed to win the most prized silverware in international rugby particularly on the heels of the 2019 milestone. A feat once achieved by the All Blacks (NZ) in 2011 and 2015. 

All the 12 points were secured in the first half where SA were more offensive and well-organized in defense. Of course, New Zealand notched up only six before the break and piled on the pressure upon returning, making their intentions crystal clear.

In the second half, the three-time world champions were more daring and got a try through Beauden Barrett but failed to convert two bonus points. And so were their penalties which went astray, much to the disdain of their supporters. Had they captilised on these chances, it could have been a different ball game altogether.

The grand finale duel was very tight towards the end of the match with both sides guarding their defense lines ever cautiously.

Although the All Blacks were one player down after Sam Cane’s yellow card was turned into a red card, they were more courageous in attack. More often than not one could tell they were one man short. Onntoehr hand, the Springboks had their fair share of cautions. Siya Xolisi, the team-captain, was penalized with a yellow card and had to spend the nominal 10 minutes on the sidelines (sin-bin).

So did his teammate Cheslin Kolbe whose yellow-card slap on the wrist came right at the last minutes of the intense global trophy-scramble. He sat there in the dugout with his face buried inside the jersey, very difficult to bear the pain. Obviously the emotions were running high. Kolbe could not stomach to witness the end of the match without him in the fray that he had been very much part of util that decisive moment.

Besides the red card, New Zealand had their own misfortunes. They had one try turned down by VAR (Video assistant referee/s) after SA fouled them twice. The resultant penalty was squandered. Yet another All Blacks opportunity that could have flicked the switch of the colossal draw.

Attacks flew on both ends but were equally matched by flying challenges to the unbridled glee of spectators across the spectrum.

As the over-the-edge final drew to a close, oscillating tension grew from both countries who, until the eventful eventualities of the night, were equal on three past victories of the Webb Ellis Cup.

The Springboks triumphant win over the All Blacks was a one-point difference, the same slender margin they eliminated both France in the quarter-finals and England in the semi-finals with. If not for resolve and focus, these are the stuff of gallant victories.

This age-old rivalry saw NZ go down to SA in 1995 and tonight was no different as history repeated itself.

Even so, at the back of this unforgettable milestone, a prominent question arises: Is  tonight a sign of bringing New Zealand’s conquering air of this global mega event to a grinding halt or is it the beginning of an entirely fresh chapter of dominance in modern rugby games?

History of World Cup Winners

New Zealand (1987, 2011 & 2015)

Australia (1991 & 1999)

South Africa (1995, 2007, 2019 & 2023)

England (2003)