Rugby World Cup final
After eight weeks of rugby it’s time for the World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa. It was a great competition even though Ireland were unsuccessful in reaching a semi-final. No northern hemisphere team made it to the final which includes host nation France. The quarter-final games were fantastic and the semi-finals failed to reach the same heights. It was ridiculous that Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand were all on the same side of the draw this is something that needs to be looked at for 2027. Some of the decisions have been questionable and hopefully the final isn’t won by a dodgy referee or TMO decision.
A lot of sole searching went on in New Zealand after losing a test series to Ireland in 2022. Since then the experienced players backed manager Ian Foster and former Ireland manager Joe Schmidt was added to the All Blacks coaching team. New Zealand were yet again written off especially after losing their first group game to France. New Zealand finished second in the group which set up a quarter-final meeting with Ireland. A lot of planning went on from 2022 in New Zealand rugby especially in coming up with a specific game plan to take on Ireland in France.
New Zealand were outstanding against Ireland and this was one of their best performances in a few years. All their big players were exceptional against Ireland especially Player Of The Match Ardie Savea. Will Jordan has been sensational in this World Cup as he has scored eight tries. The All Blacks will be looking to the pace of their wingers and backs Beaudon Barret & Richie Mo’unga to create try opportunities. New Zealand will need to repeat their performance against Ireland to have any chance of beating South Africa.
South Africa came into this year’s Rugby World Cup as defending champions. South Africa were unconvincing in the group stage but done enough to come second in Ireland’s group. South Africa took on France which was an epic quarter-final. The first half of this game was very attacking but South Africa done enough in the second half to advance to the semi-final.
South Africa took on England in the semi-final which was a repeat of the Rugby World Cup final in 2019. South Africa were very poor in the first half which included bad line outs and several knock-ons. England were impressive in the first half through Owen Farrel’s outstanding kicks and South Africa were six behind at half time. South Africa coach Rassie Eraasmus was ruthless in this game as he took off out half Manie Libbok after 30 minutes.
England stretched their lead to nine points after a drop goal from Farrell. South Africa emptied the bench and brought on all their physical players throughout the second half. South Africa won a penalty through a power scrum which resulted in scoring a try to make it a one-point game. The rain and wet conditions made it difficult but it was an interesting watch to see who would win in the closing minutes. Handre Pollard put South Africa in front after kicking a penalty from 45 metres in the 77th minute. South Africa advanced to the final after a one-point win against England.
Both New Zealand and South Africa are looking to win their fourth Rugby World Cup this weekend. Fantastic match ups on both teams all over the pitch and hopefully this match is a classic. South Africa to win by three points. Hope you enjoy the final.