The 2023 Rugby World Cup final is fast approaching, with the tournament’s two most successful teams to meet at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday, October 28. New Zealand and South Africa will do battle on the field once again, and there’s more than just the World Cup at stake for both teams.
What you’re getting when New Zealand and South Africa take to the field at the Stade de France is a match between the defending champions in South Africa and the only nation ever to win two consecutive World Cup trophies in the history of the competition. But there’s even more at play because South Africa have never lost in a World Cup final, New Zealand have won three out of four, and both teams have won the World Cup three times, which is a record. You can browse our Rugby Union odds to bet on who you think is more likely to win.
Of course, both nations want to go out onto the field and do what’s required to win the World Cup. But there’s also a chance to make history on multiple fronts. Whoever wins will move ahead in the history books and become the most successful nation of all time. If the Springboks triumph, it will be four finals from four they’ve won, while also equalling the All Blacks’ record of winning two World Cups in a row. Therefore, it’s undoubtedly one of the most significant international rugby games of all time, and neither team will be comfortable losing while knowing what the opposition is gaining from victory.
How Did They Get There?
After losing their opening game to France 27-13, New Zealand have powered their way to the final unscathed. They beat Namibia and Italy before defeating Ireland in the quarter-finals 28-24. A convincing 44-6 victory over the unfancied Argentina secured the All Blacks a place in the final at the Stade de France on Saturday.
The Springboks started off with two wins from two, defeating both Scotland and Romania convincingly. They found themselves on the end of a reverse to Ireland before bouncing back against Tonga with a 49-18 win. It would be an understatement to say that South Africa only just made it past the quarter-finals and semi-finals. They followed a 29-28 win against France up with a last-gasp 16-15 victory over England to make the final. The Springboks have sometimes flattered to deceive, but their determination shone through just when they needed it.
Who Will Win?
When you consider that South Africa have won every World Cup final they’ve competed in and that they’re also the defending champions, you’d imagine they’re the favourites to win on Saturday against New Zealand at the Stade de France. However, what can’t and shouldn’t be overlooked is that the Springboks only just made it into the next round on at least two occasions. It’s not to say they’re not a good team and in with a chance, but they’ve raised question marks with their recent performances, even if history shows that they should be the team to beat.
On the other hand, New Zealand have looked far more convincing throughout, and they will head into the final as the slight favourites. Before the semi-finals, South Africa were the favourites with most bookmakers to win the Rugby World Cup, but now the All Blacks have edged ahead, which can only be based on South Africa’s performance against England in the semi-finals. If you go off history and what’s happened in the past, you could probably argue a case for the Springboks to win. But, based on this tournament and recent performances, New Zealand are the team to beat. It’s also worth noting that during Rugby World Cups, the two have met on four occasions, with the All Blacks coming out on top three times out of four.
Third Place Playoff
The third-place playoff will see England meet bitter foes Argentina on Friday night. The former saw their World Cup dreams snatched away by South Africa in the dying embers, but the latter were well beaten by the All Blacks. England are expected to triumph at the Stade de France and should do so convincingly. Although it won’t provide much solace as they were so close to making the final.
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