The 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup came to an end on Saturday evening with a thrilling final between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks. The match was marked by intensity and tension, with a victory ultimately narrowly obtained by the South Africans with a score of 12 to 11.
From the start of the game, the experience and defensive solidity of the Springboks were highlighted. The South African forward pack showed its power, while fly-half Handre Pollard ensured his footing by scoring all the points for his team.
However, the All Blacks were not unworthy. Despite the expulsion of their captain Sam Cane in the 29th minute, they managed to stay in the match and put their opponents in difficulty. The New Zealanders also showed great defensive discipline, conceding only a few penalties throughout the match.
The end of the match was particularly tense, with a final possession for the All Blacks in the final minutes. But they failed to realize their territorial domination and failed to pass a penalty.
This victory for the Springboks allows them to become world champions for the fourth time, thus confirming their status as a great rugby nation. It also recognizes their resilience and their ability to win close matches, as demonstrated by their performance during this World Cup, notably with their victories by a single point in the quarter-final and semi-final.
It is also important to highlight the individual performance of South African third row Pieter-Steph du Toit, named man of the match. His defensive impact and his involvement in the game were essential for his team’s victory.
This final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most intense and contested in the history of the competition. Both teams put on a high-level performance and demonstrated the immense talent and passion that drives international rugby.