Rugby World Cup final: South Africa beat New Zealand to win record fourth title
Press Association
South Africa have won the Rugby World Cup for a record fourth time after beating New Zealand by one point in the final.
New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final as South Africa retained their title with a nail-biting 12-11 victory at the Stade de France.
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.
Beauden Barrett ran in the first try ever scored against South Africa in a World Cup final as the final quarter approached but, with Richie Mo’unga unable to add the conversion, New Zealand still trailed.
Jordie Barrett then missed a tricky long-range penalty that would have toppled the Springboks and despite furious late attempts to strike from long range they were unable to break through the green wall.
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.
