New Zealand and South Africa will contest Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final and bring one of sport’s most intense rivalries to the ultimate stage for the first time in nearly 30 years. It’s been a once-in-a-generation occurrence for rugby and will be a rare treat for every fan on Saturday in Paris.
New Zealand’s Aaron Smith, center, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a try during the Rugby World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Friday, Oct 20, 2023. Argentina’s Juan Cruz Mallia, left, fails to stop New Zealand’s Will Jordan from scoring a try during the Rugby World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Friday, 20, 2023.
The All Blacks and the Springboks — with 102 years of games between them — have met in the Rugby World Cup final just once before, a 1995 showdown that carved out a moment that reverberated way beyond sport. South Africa, newly free from apartheid and in its first World Cup as host, won against the team it wants to beat more than any other in extra time in front of new President Nelson Mandela.
Both are locked on three world titles and playing for a record fourth. The Springboks are the defending champions and ranked No. 1 and the All Blacks the former champions and No. 2.“It has been part of our rugby history, the Springboks and the All Blacks, and every time we play each other it is always a special battle,” South Africa assistant coach Deon Davids said, adding he grew up listening to their games on the radio. Him and millions of others.
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