Defending champions South Africa edged New Zealand out to win the Rugby World Cup for a record-breaking fourth time.
Four years after dominating the final over England in Japan, this year the title match in France was much tighter with South Africa winning by just one point. The Springboks defeated the resilient New Zealand All Blacks 12-11 thanks to fly half Handre Pollard’s four penalties.
The turning point in the match was the suspension of New Zealand captain Sam Cane for a dangerous tackle more than 45 minutes from time.
New Zealand, on the other hand, earned a trip to the final after upsetting tough Ireland and Argentina in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
In the stands in France, the Springboks had the support of their countrymen, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the forefront.
The president, who also joined the winners in the locker room, described the trophy as an outstanding and inspiring national achievement.
"Never in a Rugby World Cup tournament has any team had to travel on such a difficult road as the @Springboks team of 2023, having beaten the top-ranking rugby teams in the world to reach this final. We are bringing the cup home," Ramaphosa wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said that the victory confirmed South Africa's preeminent position in world rugby, adding that the team symbolized the determination, resilience and indomitable spirit of South Africans.
Previous wins for the Springboks in the World Cup occurred in 1995, 2007 and 2019.