Rugby: A long and rich Rugby rivalry will enter a new chapter where New Zealand and South Africa battle it out for Sunday's Rugby World Cup final clash.
It’s been a gripping Rugby World Cup, even if the draw was so badly bent out of shape that the archaic rules which decided it are now set to change.
The final shapes as a battle of scintillating attack against ruthless defence - each side capable of both - and also a potential changing of the guard in more ways than one. South Africa have scored just two tries in their three World Cup final appearances, all of which they won. In saying that, they can also rack up a score and just two months ago handed New Zealand their biggest loss in history with a 35-7 thumping.Earlier in the tournament there was a war of words between the countries earlier when the Springboks were accused of playing “boring” rugby.
The inflammatory remarks triggered a response from Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who dropped this zinger in between a sandwich of compliments for Foster. New Zealand were made to work for it in their gripping 28-24 win over Ireland in the quarters, but their 44-6 win over Argentina in the semis was a glorified training run.
A few weeks later they were thoroughly outplayed again, this time by France who prevailed 27-13 in the World Cup opener. New Zealand’s once unfathomable winning record has been sliding since South African teams left Super Rugby for the northern hemisphere in 2020. South Africa was already planning on pulling its teams out of Super Rugby before the Covid pandemic brought those plans forward in 2020.
The proof is in the pudding, South Africa are the reigning World Cup champions and head into the final on Sunday as the No. 1 ranked team in the world having lost just two games this year. Yes, Ireland still haven’t progressed to a World Cup semi-final. But before their heartbreaking 28-24 loss to the All Blacks in the quarterfinals, they were ranked the No. 1 side in the world following 17 straight victories.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Next Rugby World Cup, to be held in Australia, moved to avoid clashes with NRL and AFL finalsRugby: A long and rich Rugby rivalry will enter a new chapter where New Zealand and South Africa battle it out for Sunday's Rugby World Cup final clash.
Read more »
Minnows fume at ‘slap in the face’ as new global tournament announced in rugby shake-upRugby: A long and rich Rugby rivalry will enter a new chapter where New Zealand and South Africa battle it out for Sunday's Rugby World Cup final clash.
Read more »
All Blacks and Springboks meet in latest chapter of rugby's most storied rivalry in 2023 Rugby World Cup finalWhen the Springboks and All Blacks meet in the Rugby World Cup final, the sport's biggest rivals will write another chapter in rugby's most storied grudge match.
Read more »
Skipper’s blunt response as NZ hoodoo remains; Diamonds learn ‘great lessons’: Talking PtsNetball: The Diamonds suffered a second straight Constellation Cup loss on Monday, but theyve still taken the series win thanks to massive victories in Australia.
Read more »
Calls grow for Rugby Australia to seek clarity over Jones’ Japan linksFormer Wallabies Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper have called for transparency from the game’s leaders, starting with a phone call to their Japanese counterparts.
Read more »
England exit Rugby World Cup with pride but need more than grit to woo publicWhat is the wider purpose for Borthwick’s semi-finalists when so many supporters feel the team is still not speaking to them?
Read more »