)
The South Africans had to dig in to win the Rugby World Cup by just one point to become the first country to claim four titles
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said New Zealand had taken his side to a "dark place" in the Rugby World Cup final, but praised his South Africa side for finding a way to win a record fourth title.
The Boks had led 12-6 at halftime in Paris, Handre Pollard kicking four penalties to two from Richie Mo'unga.
The sole score of the second half was a Beauden Barrett try for a New Zealand team reduced to 14 after Sam Cane was red-carded for a high tackle after 34 minutes.
)
11:00 - 28.10.2023
RUGBY World Cup final: Titanic battle awaits as South Africa and New Zealand seek to make history
Either the Springboks or the All Blacks will become the first team to have won the Rugby World Cup four times, adding spice to Saturday night’s final at Stade de France
"There are no ways I can explain it," said Kolisi, who also received a yellow card in the second half for a high hit.
"I want to give credit to the All Blacks. They took us to the end, they took us to a dark place.
"It shows what kind of team they are, to fight with a man down from early in the game. They put us under so much pressure."
![New Zealand players dominate 2023 World Rugby award nominations [LIST]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/26102023/b027e3ce-b631-432c-94a2-f0b2f8467345.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
13:07 - 26.10.2023
RUGBY New Zealand players dominate 2023 World Rugby award nominations [LIST]
The nominees for the 2023 World Rugby Awards have now been announced, with New Zealand players unsurprisingly dominating the shortlist after a stellar 2023 for the country’s rugby.
Kolisi added: "Credit to my boys too for the fight. I am just grateful we could pull it off.
"People who are not from South Africa don't understand what it means for our country. It is not just about the game. Our country goes through such a lot."
He added: "I want to tell the people of South Africa 'thank you so much'. This team just shows what you can do.
)
16:33 - 24.10.2023
RUGBY Good news for Kenya Simbas? 2027 Rugby World Cup expanded in major changes
Kenya Simbas could have an easier path to qualifying for their first Rugby World Cup after World Rugby expanded the 2027 tournament.
"As soon as we work together, all is possible, no matter in what sphere – in the field, in offices, it shows what we can do. I am grateful for this team, I am so proud of it."
The Bok skipper admitted that losing hooker Bongi Mbonambi in just the third minute had been a blow to his team, but they had re-organised and battled through.
"We lost our hooker in the early part of the game and we had to adjust to that. They put a lot of pressure on our lineouts but somehow we found a way," he said.
)
21:00 - 03.10.2023
RUGBY Fiji star refuses to attend son’s funeral to focus on helping country achieve Rugby World Cup success
Josua Tuisova learned of his son's death hours before Fiji played against Georgia, but opted to stay put in France to help the side get to the quarter finals of the tournament.
Coach Jacques Nienaber said the record fourth title after previous successes in 1995, 2007 and 2019, had been long in the planning.
"We came a long way with the players," said Nienaber, who took over from Rassie Erasmus as head coach after the latter had led the Boks to glory in Japan four years ago.
"We always planned for this World Cup, since 2018. Massive credit to our fans. They were special from South Africa, 62 million people, the videos we had to play from them. It was unbelievable."
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)