New Zealand vs South Africa LIVE! Rugby World Cup final 2023 result, match stream and latest updates

New Zealand vs South Africa LIVE!

South Africa are celebrating winning the Rugby World Cup once again. The Springboks outlasted the All Blacks in a tense heavyweight final between the Southern Hemisphere giants in Paris on Saturday night, ultimately holding on to prevail again by a single point, 12-11, thanks to four penalties from the trusty boot of returning fly-half Handre Pollard.

It was not quite the epic showpiece that many had hoped for on a wet pitch, but there was still no shortage of drama as New Zealand captain Sam Cane received the first red card ever dished out in the World Cup final after his yellow for a head-on-head collision was upgraded after a bunker review. Shannon Frizell, Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe also saw yellow in a competitive contest that involved an extremely tense finish.

Beauden Barrett scored the only try of the game after Aaron Smith's had been chalked off with Richie Mo'unga also knocking over two penalties, but the All Blacks came up short after Jordie Barrett's late long-range kick missed the target. South Africa have now won back-to-back titles and become the first team ever to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times. Follow reaction live below, with expert insight and analysis from Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France!

Rugby World Cup final latest news

• South Africa win record-breaking fourth World Cup title

• Yellow card! Kolbe sin-binned late for deliberate knock-on

• TRY! Beauden Barrett scoops up loose ball to score

• NO TRY! Smith score chalked off for Savea knock-on

• Springboks captain Kolisi shown yellow for head-on-head hit

• RED CARD! New Zealand lose skipper Cane after review

• Mbonambi off injured early as Frizell sin-binned

Siya Kolisi reaction

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:07 , George Flood

"I honestly can't explain it. What happened in the last World Cup, we were kind of hoping to get the name of the Springboks back but now people were expecting us to do it," Kolisi told ITV.

"Honestly, there is so much going wrong in our country, we are the last line of defence. So many people are helpless and there is so much division but we show there is hope.

"Look what the sport did in 1995. Without that, I wouldn't be here, there were people before that who fought for people that look like me to be in the jersey.

"We knew New Zealand would come more after the red card. That is why they have been so successful over they years and then obviously my moment of naughtiness cost us with a yellow card.

"We have played against teams who have done this before. Nobody gave England a chance when they played us and they showed who they are, and then New Zealand today. I'm really proud of what the boys have done."

Saturday 28 October 2023 23:05 , George Flood

Fantastic celebrations on the pitch after the trophy lift, with Kolisi singing and dancing and leading the way.

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the trophy with the players - I believe he previously pledged a public holiday were the Springboks to win the World Cup again.

Let's see if he sticks to it!

Nick Purewal's final match report

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:43 , George Flood

Siya Kolisi scaled rarefied heights in Paris as South Africa edged past New Zealand 12-11 for their captain to lift a second-straight Rugby World Cup crown, writes Nick Purewal at the Stade de France.

Handre Pollard’s four penalties somehow proved just enough for the Springboks to defend their 2019 title, for a record fourth World Cup triumph.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first man to be sent off in a World Cup final, for a head-high shot on Jesse Kriel.

The Springboks are the newest Parisian dynasty, and king Kolisi their figurehead. He must be anointed, crowned, hailed to the heavens.

The 32-year-old from township Zwide, the first-ever black Springbok captain, Kolisi is also now just the second man to lift the Webb Ellis Cup twice.

Click here to read the report in full

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:13 , George Flood

The first team ever to win the Rugby World Cup four times.

Let the party begin!

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:06 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

Somehow the Boks hold on.

Kolisi the Parisian king will now lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time.

Only Richie McCaw can also say that.

The All Blacks left everything out there.

To come so close with 14 men for 62 minutes is special, but not quite enough.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:05 , George Flood

Full-time

SOUTH AFRICA ARE RUGBY WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR A RECORD-BREAKING FOURTH TIME!

THEY HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED THEIR TITLE!

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:04 , George Flood

80 mins: A reset after De Klerk can't get the ball in.

The clock is in the red but New Zealand are scrapping hard to keep the ball alive.

But their efforts are in vain! THE FINAL WHISTLE SOUNDS!

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:03 , George Flood

80 mins: One last scrum.

South Africa have the put-in and New Zealand have to make something happen here...

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:02 , George Flood

79 mins: Kwagga Smith with a turnover on the floor and that could be it for New Zealand.

But Kriel inexplicably kicks it straight back to McKenzie!

One more chance for the All Blacks, Savea breaking but he knocks on trying to find Lienert-Brown.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 22:00 , George Flood

78 mins: New Zealand remain stuck and penned deep inside their own half with time ticking away on their World Cup hopes.

Christie's kick is charged down by De Klerk!

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:58 , George Flood

76 mins: Huge from Savea to block Pollard's drop-goal attempt and keep New Zealand alive late in this pulsating final!

McKenzie replaces Mo'unga for New Zealand at fly-half.

The Boks replace captain Kolisi with Wiese.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:55 , George Flood

74 mins: More than enough power on that thumping Jordie Barrett kick from the tee, but it veers to the left and it's no good.

Kolbe breathes a sigh of relief with his head in his hands on the touchline.

South Africa retain their one-point lead... for now.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

The Boks are out on their feet here, and now there is no further man advantage.

Kolbe has been sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, and he will not return.

He looks to be in tears on the bench.

Yellow card! Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:54 , George Flood

72 mins: Now then!

Things just got very interesting indeed as Kolbe is sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on that he tried to disguise as a genuine tackle attempt.

14 vs 14 to the finish with a long-range penalty on tap for New Zealand to take a late lead...

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:52 , George Flood

71 mins: Will Jordan won't break the record for the most tries scored in a single World Cup tonight.

He's been replaced by Lienert-Brown.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:51 , George Flood

71 mins: Into the final 10 minutes we go and there's another speculative South African drop-goal attempt, this time from Kolbe.

It falls short.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:49 , George Flood

70 mins: We should mention that Whitelock came on for Frizell a little while ago.

Now Retallick also makes way for Papalii before another scrum.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:47 , George Flood

68 mins: Le Roux is off to the races and trying to score down the field, long after the whistle had gone for a knock-on.

South Africa have the put-in at the scrum, kicking to touch through Le Roux before an infringement by Kolisi.

Such a tense feel to this final now. A grandstand finish awaits in the last 10 minutes.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:44 , George Flood

67 mins: Nyakane now on for Malherbe at tighthead for South Africa.

Their only replacement back also enters the fray - Le Roux replacing Willemse at full-back.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:44 , George Flood

66 mins: We've got an entirely new New Zealand front row now as Williams, Taukei'aho and Laulala replace De Groot, Taylor and Lomax.

Smith is also replaced by the Scottish-born Finlay Christie at scrum-half.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:42 , George Flood

64 mins: South Africa are asking the questions now, with Willemse probing with the boot and Kolbe posing a real threat as he always does off the wing.

New Zealand's 14 men need to stand firm.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:40 , George Flood

60 mins: The Boks have sent on former Ireland lock Kleyn for Etzebeth.

Kwagga Smith also into the back row for Vermuelen.

New Zealand 11-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:39 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

The All Blacks’ persistence eventually pays off, and despite rejecting a series of kickable penalties, they score in the corner through Beauden Barrett.

Both sides will be relaxed about a one-point game going into the final quarter but the All Blacks look to have the greater energy at this point.

TRY! New Zealand 11-12 South Africa | Beauden Barrett 58'

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:34 , George Flood

58 mins: The All Black pressure tells!

New Zealand open it up left trying to release Telea with a beautiful long pass from Jordie Barrett.

Telea tries to find Beauden Barrett after a hit from Du Toit, with Beauden scooping up the loose ball to score.

But did that ball go forward?! Wayne Barnes says not!

Mo'unga's conversion is missed and it's now a one-point final with 20 minutes to play in Paris!

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:31 , George Flood

56 mins: Kolisi has returned for the Boks, who can't clear their lines here and remain under massive pressure.

It's another lineout as they concede penalty after penalty in the 22.

Huge moments in this final...

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:27 , George Flood

55 mins: Aaron Smith is sent over after absolutely sublime play from Mo'unga!

The New Zealand fans erupt.

But hang on, the TMO says there is a knock-on from Savea.

It's no try because of that, but the All Blacks do have the penalty after South Africa play the man in the air at the lineout.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:25 , George Flood

53 mins: Why didn't they take the three?!

New Zealand come close but they can't release Jordan and the ball is knocked on.

Scrum green.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:24 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

Kolisi’s card remains yellow. A boost to the Boks but the right decision again.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:23 , George Flood

52 mins: Confirmation that Kolisi's yellow card will NOT be upgraded to red.

A reprieve for the Boks, who send on loosehead prop Nche and towering lock Snyman for Kitshoff and Mostert.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:22 , George Flood

51 mins: Great wheels from All Blacks hooker Taylor as New Zealand break up field in a flash.

They end up with the penalty after Du Toit's off-the-ball hit on Scott Barrett.

They are going for the lineout instead of the three points!

This is brave...

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:17 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

So the disciplinary bug must be contagious, especially for captains.

Now it is Kolisi’s turn to be sin-binned, this time for a head-on-head collision with Ardie Savea.

The incident will be reviewed and could be upgraded. So we could have another red card in Paris.

Yellow card! Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:17 , George Flood

46 mins: It's 14 vs 14 for the next 10 minutes and another captain off as Springboks inspiration Kolisi is shown yellow for a head-on-head collision after Savea had taken the ball out of the air.

This will also go to the bunker. Surely we won't see both skippers sent off in the same final?!

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:15 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

The Boks managed to bungle two great try chances at the top of the second half, the first with Kolisi failing to give a pass, the second when Arendse could not quite scoop up Willemse’s smart grubber kick.

New Zealand are on the ropes here.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:14 , George Flood

44 mins: So close for South Africa again as a chasing Arendse has his foot in touch and then knocks on trying to finish in the right corner after Willemse's enticing grubber!

New Zealand's 14 men are clinging on at the moment.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:12 , George Flood

43 mins: That's the second unexpected drop-goal attempt from Boks full-back Willemse that is off the mark.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:11 , George Flood

42 mins: De Allende is held up at the last!

A great break from Springboks leader Kolisi after Beauden Barrett could not control Pollard's probing cross-field kick.

Vital, vital defending from Jordie Barrett on the line.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:08 , George Flood

Back underway at the Stade de France!

Can the All Blacks defy the dismissal of their influential captain to make a comeback here?

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 21:05 , George Flood

The All Blacks setting unwanted record so far tonight in Paris...

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:56 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

So the Boks lead 12-6 at the break, in a half that proved scrappy at points due to the soaked pitch.

Cane’s red card should give the Boks the edge as the contest continues after the break.

New Zealand 6-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:53 , George Flood

Half-time

PENALTY! New Zealand 6-12 South Africa | Richie Mo'unga 37'

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:53 , George Flood

37 mins: Great mettle shown by the All Blacks as they pour forward on the offensive after losing their captain.

Only a superb last-ditch tackle from Arendse denies Ioane.

They were playing with a penalty advantage there and now opt for a shot at goal, which is slotted over by Mo'unga.

The Boks lead back down to six as half-time approaches.

New Zealand 3-12 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:51 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

The first red card in a World Cup final will completely change this game.

But someone as experienced as Cane simply cannot make that kind of mistake.

The space opened up for a good tackle anywhere on Kriel, and the All Blacks flanker smashed him in the face.

PENALTY! New Zealand 3-12 South Africa | Handre Pollard 34'

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:48 , George Flood

34 mins: Pollard keeps that scoreboard ticking.

South Africa with a nice lead and the man advantage.

This feels like their game to lose now.

Red card! Sam Cane (New Zealand)

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:47 , George Flood

33 mins: Undermanned New Zealand remain under big pressure and they concede another penalty which Pollard will look to knock over for a nine-point lead with half-time approaching.

We have a decision from the bunker on Cane.... RED CARD!

No mitigation and he's off. The first red card ever in a Rugby World Cup final and it goes to the All Blacks skipper.

What a blow. He looks gutted on the sideline but can have no complaints.

New Zealand 3-9 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:44 , George Flood

30 mins: An overhit clearing kick from New Zealand bounces dead and gives South Africa a scrum, off which they open up and attack with pace and verve.

The ball is quickly shifted out right and a little kick in behind is aimed for the run of Kolbe, with the 14-man All Blacks just about surviving.

They will have to negotiate an exit from this defensive lineout in front of their own line, though.

New Zealand 3-9 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:41 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

Sam Cane could be in trouble here. The All Blacks captain is sin-binned for a shoulder to the face of Jesse Kriel.

The challenge will now be reviewed, and could easily be a red card.

The New Zealand captain, sent off in a World Cup final? It could so easily happen here.

Yellow card! Sam Cane (New Zealand)

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:41 , George Flood

28 mins: Lock Mostert barrels forward but spills the ball to frustratingly halt the Springboks' momentum.

It'll be a scrum, but first the TMO wants to look at a hit to the head from All Blacks skipper Cane on Kriel.

That does not look good at all on replay and he's booked to leave New Zealand down to 14 men for the second time in this first half.

This could easily be upgraded to red in the bunker.

New Zealand 3-9 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:37 , George Flood

26 mins: No dice this time at the lineout from Etzebeth, who makes contact with his fellow jumper and gives away the penalty.

The All Blacks kick to touch before a poor overthrow from hooker Taylor denies them a strong attacking platform.

The lineout becoming an issue for New Zealand here.

New Zealand 3-9 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:35 , George Flood

24 mins: Willemse is tackled into touch and New Zealand have a decent opportunity with this lineout... but it's stolen by the towering Etzebeth!

Here come the All Blacks again but replacement hooker Fourie does well to win a pressure-relieving penalty at the breakdown.

New Zealand 3-9 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:33 , George Flood

22 mins: The wet conditions are playing a part here as New Zealand try to build another attack but the ball is spilled by record-chasing Jordan.

It leads to a scrum, with the All Blacks screaming for a knock-on against De Klerk - but that went backwards.

The Boks try to exploit some space over on the right wing with a kick that bounces into touch.

PENALTY! New Zealand 3-9 South Africa | Handre Pollard 19'

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:30 , George Flood

19 mins: The Boks quickly push their lead back out to six through Pollard's trusty boot.

Savea punished this time.

PENALTY! New Zealand 3-6 South Africa | Richie Mo'unga 17'

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:29 , George Flood

17 mins: Mo'unga gets New Zealand on the board in this World Cup final.

ew Zealand 0-6 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:28 , George Flood

16 mins: That's a lovely attacking move from the All Blacks, a delightful pass out the back door from Jordie Barrett to Mo'unga, who is under pressure from Kriel and taps it over quickly to Beauden Barrett.

New Zealand are halted but have a penalty advantage, Smith then choosing to kick in behind as Savea chases and almost touches down.

They eventually opt for their first kick at goal and some slight head contact at the breakdown is dismissed due to mitigating factors.

PENALTY! New Zealand 0-6 South Africa | Handre Pollard 13'

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:23 , George Flood

13 mins: South Africa press and press but can't quite find their way through and will take the shot at goal instead after De Klerk smartly makes the most of the New Zealand tackler not rolling away.

Pollard makes his second kick of the night and it is then confirmed that Frizell's yellow will remain just that after a bunker review.

I think he's lucky not to see red.

New Zealand 0-3 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:20 , George Flood

10 mins: The 14 men of New Zealand are now under severe pressure as the Boks set up camp deep inside their 22 after a vital piece of mopping up with one hand on the floor from Beauden Barrett.

New Zealand 0-3 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:18 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

Well, it sems the Boks have withdrawn Mbonambi for now as a tactical option.

Which means they might have the chance to bring him back later.

So if Fourie were to have a Head Injury Assessment or be injured, then the Boks could bring Mbonambi back, technically.

But he did not look in good shape at all, and has heavy strapping on his troublesome knee.

New Zealand 0-3 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:17 , George Flood

7 mins: Great take from Mo'unga under massive pressure as the Boks look to release Kolbe with a smart cross-field kick.

Wayne Barnes has just said that Mbonambi went off as a tactical change and could yet come back on.

Erm...

New Zealand 0-3 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:13 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

Deon Fourie now has to play 77 minutes at hooker, aged 37 years and when his primary position is flanker.

This is a huge ask and the Boks may well have to adapt their game now.

New Zealand 0-3 South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:13 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

A horrible start for Mbonambi, who is forced out of the game due to a knee problem.

Shannon Frizell tried to croc roll him out of a ruck, and was duly sin-binned for his troubles.

That could be a red card and will now be reviewed. Pollard slotted the penalty to put the Boks into a 3-0 lead.

PENALTY! New Zealand 0-3 South Africa | Handre Pollard 4'

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:11 , George Flood

4 mins: Through off the post from Pollard!

Mbonambi is now going off in a massive blow to the Boks.

On comes Deon Fourie, the loose forward who can operate at hooker.

He's got a huge task ahead of him. How crucial could that be?

A dramatic start at the Stade de France.

Yellow card! Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:09 , George Flood

3 mins: New Zealand down to 14 men inside three minutes!

After looking at the replays, referee Barnes rules that Frizell dropped his weight onto Mbonambi's exposed knee.

He receives a yellow card and has a nervous wait to see if it might be upgraded to red during a bunker review.

Mbonambi wants to stay on for now but is clearly struggling badly. Pollard to kick to give South Africa an early lead from the tee.

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:07 , George Flood

3 mins: A big early concern for the Boks with Mbonambi in some pain with his knee after an ugly clearout at the breakdown from All Blacks flanker Frizell.

Barnes dismisses the Boks' complaints at first, but the TMO will look at this.

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:06 , George Flood

2 mins: An early exit from the Boks as Beauden Barrett then probes and they execute the first lineout of the night.

It's all a bit messy and frantic to start as the Boks boot forward on the deck.

Mbonambi is down already for South Africa and Mo'unga has just been smoked by Etzebeth. Huge hit.

Quiet start!

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 20:03 , George Flood

Who will win the Rugby World Cup for a record fourth time tonight?

This should be a final to remember.

Wayne Barnes blows his whistle and Beauden Barrett kicks to get us off and running in Paris!

Both sides in their classic home strips - black versus the green and gold.

As it should be.

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:59 , George Flood

But first, it's the traditional pre-match Haka from New Zealand.

An electric atmosphere inside the Stade de France.

The challenge is about to be thrown down.

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:58 , George Flood

Spine-tingling stuff as always.

Kick-off is now just moments away!

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:54 , George Flood

After a performance from singer-songwriter Mika, here come the teams at a raucous Stade de France!

The great Siya Kolisi is singing himself as he leads out the defending champion Springboks.

Sam Cane leading the All Blacks as usual.

A glitzy light show and booming music greets the players from the tunnel, as well as great noise from the crowd.

Time for the national anthems, starting with New Zealand...

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:46 , George Flood

Have your say on who you think will win tonight's blockbuster final in Paris and get the pre-match verdict from Standard Sport columnist Lawrence Dallaglio on a live edition of the Evening Standard Rugby Podcast

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:36 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Nick Purewal at the Stade de France

So 50 days after New Zealand kicked off this Rugby World Cup by losing 27-13 to hosts France, the All Blacks face South Africa for the Webb Ellis Cup.

The Springboks lost 13-8 to Ireland on September 23, so both teams have shown their fallibility in this tournament.

But tonight, one side will go home with a record fourth World Cup triumph.

The two most dominant teams in this competition’s history go at it once again.

The Boks will look to batter New Zealand into submission, while the All Blacks will aim to run South Africa off their feet.

If the rain holds off this could be an absolute classic.

Ian Foster: Dane Coles decisions 'the toughest I've had as coach'

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:30 , George Flood

Spare a thought for Dane Coles, the long-serving All Blacks hooker who is not in the squad tonight.

The 36-year-old - a World Cup winner in 2015 - is retiring from rugby after the tournament but will not get the chance to make it a glorious finish with a 91st cap in Paris.

“Yeah, tough,” head coach Ian Foster said of the decision not to include Coles tonight as he shapes his reserve forward options to best counter the threat of South Africa's infamous 'Bomb Squad'.

"That was a tough one. Probably the toughest I have had as a coach.”

Asked how Coles had taken the news, Foster added: "The way that I would have expected him to.

"He's a champion."

New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:17 , George Flood

Standard Sport's rugby correspondent Nick Purewal offers his pre-match thoughts from the Stade de France, where the weather is actually holding at the moment.

Dry conditions for running rugby would surely give the edge to the All Blacks, but you fancy the Boks to come through any arm wrestle as they always seem to.

Will Jordan eyes World Cup try-scoring record

Saturday 28 October 2023 19:05 , George Flood

It isn't just the Webb Ellis Cup that flying New Zealand wing Will Jordan has his eyes on tonight.

The Crusaders star notched a scintillating hat-trick in the semi-final thrashing of Argentina, moving onto eight for the tournament - level with the record held jointly by the great Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea.

One more tonight will see him stand alone as the highest try-scorer at a single World Cup ever.

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:55 , George Flood

It's not just the Stade de France that will be rocking tonight!

Huge final watch parties will be taking place across New Zealand and South Africa, including this large gathering in Cape Town.

South Africa are just an hour ahead of the UK, but in New Zealand it's just approaching 7am on Sunday morning.

Quite an occasion to start the day!

The immovable object meets the irresistible force in heavyweight final

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:36 , George Flood

The two teams with three Rugby World Cup triumphs apiece regard today’s final as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, writes Nick Purewal in Paris.

New Zealand and South Africa have won six of the nine World Cups.

Whoever triumphs will make history by lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time.

Of course, this is not even the first final between the All Blacks and the Springboks — and yet both consider this Stade de France contest as unique.

The history and supremacy of both teams would argue otherwise. But when Sam Cane, Ian Foster, Siya Kolisi and Jacques Nienaber talk, the entire rugby globe listens.

“I don’t think it will happen again in our lifetime to have two teams like this meet in a World Cup final,” said South Africa captain Kolisi.

The defending champion Springboks against the resurgent All Blacks. The immovable object against the irresistible force.

Click here to read the preview in full

Rain and wind before final in Paris

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:26 , George Flood

The stage is set under the lights at the majestic Stade de France, which will be full to the rafters in a great wave of noise and colour very shortly.

It's been horribly wet and windy in Paris again today and appears to remain so with kick-off in the final just over 90 minutes away now.

Let's hope the conditions don't spoil what should be an absolutely cracking contest.

All-English officiating team for final

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:21 , George Flood

We have an all-English officiating crew for tonight's final after Steve Borthwick's side did not make it.

Wayne Barnes is the man in the middle, supported by assistants Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley.

The TMO is Tom Foley. A proud night for each of them and fully deserves for Barnes, who remains one of the very best referees.

Dallaglio: Mega occasion in prospect as biggest titans collide

Saturday 28 October 2023 18:09 , George Flood

When New Zealand were thumped 35-7 by South Africa at Twickenham at the end of August, few if any people were tipping the All Blacks for a record fifth World Cup final, writes Lawrence Dallaglio.

When the All Blacks were then turned over 27-13 by France in Paris on September 8 to open this tournament, neutral observers politely diverted attention elsewhere.

Lose one game and it is a national inquiry in New Zealand — lose two so quickly and it is panic stations.

That Springboks battering at Twickenham was New Zealand’s heaviest-ever international defeat. France swatted the All Blacks aside just weeks later, too.

But ever since, the All Blacks have quietly pounced on the misdirection of sending people scuttling off to examine other contenders — and built towards yet another final showdown.

All Blacks boss Ian Foster will be replaced by Scott Robertson after the tournament in a long-term arrangement, that probably owes much to New Zealand’s tricky years since the last World Cup.

Click here to read the column in full

New Zealand vs South Africa prediction

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:56 , George Flood

It was ugly against England but South Africa wrestled through to the final in the manner that only champions can muster.

That said, New Zealand knocked out a superb Ireland team and are certainly a big-game outfit.

It's a really tough one to call but the defending champions have the edge and will be whipped back into shape after disappointing for much of their semi-final.

South Africa to win, by under five points

New Zealand vs South Africa lineups in full

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:52 , George Flood

New Zealand XV: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo'unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Lomax; Retallick, S Barrett; Frizell, Cane (c), Savea.

Replacements: Taukei'aho, Williams, Laulala, Whitelock, Papalii, Christie, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown.

South Africa XV: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe; Etzebeth, Mostert; Kolisi (c), Du Toit, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Smith, Wiese, Le Roux.

South Africa team news

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:47 , George Flood

South Africa have changed both of their half-backs, with Faf de Klerk preferred to Cobus Reinach at scrum-half.

Handre Pollard has completed a remarkable comeback story from injury at this World Cup by earning a starting spot in the final, having showed nerves of steel to kick the winning penalty to see off England last Saturday.

Manie Libbok drops out after being hooked early in the semis and, like Reinach, doesn't even make the squad as Boks head coach Jacques Nienaber opts for a 7-1 bench split in favour of the forwards.

Versatile full-back Willie le Roux is the only backline cover among the replacements, with wing Cheslin Kolbe and back-rower Kwagga Smith earmarked to step in at scrum-half if required.

Bongi Mbonambi is free to play and starts at hooker as usual after World Rugby deemed this week that there was "insufficient evidence" to bring any charges following allegations that he aimed a racial slur at England flanker Tom Curry both in last weekend's semi-final and in an autumn international at Twickenham last year.

Prop Trevor Nyakane is on the bench with Vincent Koch out, with former Ireland lock Jean Kleyn and Leicester No8 Jasper Wiese also moving into the squad.

In terms of caps, this is the most experienced Springboks team ever named as they look to follow the New Zealand vintage of 2015 to become only the second side ever to successfully defend the World Cup.

New Zealand team news

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:38 , George Flood

Outgoing New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made just two changes to his matchday squad after the hopelessly one-sided 44-6 semi-final demolition of Argentina last Friday night.

Only one is in the starting XV, with Brodie Retallick preferred to another vastly experienced option in Sam Whitelock in the second row.

The other alteration is on the bench, where prop Nepo Laulala gets the nod over Fletcher Newell.

Where to watch New Zealand vs South Africa

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:34 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, tonight's final is available to watch live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the final live for free online via the ITVX website and app.

Welcome to Rugby World Cup final LIVE coverage

Saturday 28 October 2023 17:30 , George Flood

So after 47 matches played across seven weeks in eight different cities, it all comes down to this.

New Zealand and defending champions South Africa lock horns in a potentially epic 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris tonight.

Two of the sport's great teams are out to claim a record-breaking fourth Webb Ellis Cup in this evening's high-profile showpiece, which is a repeat of that iconic 1995 final in Johannesburg.

The Springboks inflicted a record Test defeat on the All Blacks the last time these two Southern Hemisphere powerhouses met at Twickenham in the build-up to this World Cup, but something tells us that tonight's showdown will be a lot closer.

Kick-off in the final is at 8pm BST, and we have Standard Sport rugby correspondent Nick Purewal providing expert analysis and insight from the Stade de France across the evening.

We'll have match build-up, team news and live minute-by-minute updates after kick-off.

Trust us - you won't want to miss it!