By Victor Kanayo
South Africa on Saturday night triumphed over New Zealand by one point in the final match to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The crucial victory ensured that South Africa’s Springboks achieved a record Rugby global fourth title in Paris, France.
South Africans will be celebrating well all through the night and beyond as their team became the first to hold up the Webb Ellis Trophy four times, and the second to win the cup in two consecutive tournaments.
On the other hand, New Zealand will have themselves to blame after losing their captain Sam Cane through red.
Historically, Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final.
Cane was shown a red card in the 28th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel but the All Blacks responded with character and resilience to take the champions to the wire on a wet Paris night.
Also, Jordie Barrett had an opportunity to put the All Blacks ahead in the 73rd minute but was unable to convert a penalty.
The All Blacks entered the rematch of the 1995 final as marginal favourites having overwhelmed Argentina in the previous round without breaking sweat, while South Africa had been taken to the wire by England.
