New Zealand and South Africa will meet in tonight’s Rugby World Cup final. The two teams will meet in Paris to decide the winner of an epic tournament.
Both teams have been outstanding over the last month and have come out on top against some of the world’s best. Reigning champions South Africa will hope they don’t relinquish their prize to New Zealand, who won consecutive titles in 2011 and 2015.
It comes after England secured bronze by beating Argentina in a thrilling encounter on Friday.
You can follow all the updates with Express Sport’s LIVE coverage.
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Thanks for joining the Express Sport Rugby World Cup live blog tonight. If you’re looking for more live sports action then look no further than our Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou live blog, found here.
Cane shows true colours after red card
New Zealand star Sam Cane has shown his class by congratulating South Africa on their triumph in an eventful Rugby World Cup final that saw the All Blacks captain sent off in the first half. Cane became the first men’s player in Rugby World Cup history to be shown a red card in the tournament’s final.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I am extremely gutted and disappointed. First of all the guys had to play with 14 men for the last 50-odd minutes.
“I thought the courage they showed out here tonight was incredible, the whole team are absolute warriors. It’s tough, I would like to say well done to South Africa. Back-to-back winners, they have been a fantastic team.
“They have had a heck of a tough road to the final and they have shown time and time again they have found a way to win.”
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RECAP: South Africa are world champions again
South Africa edged out New Zealand 12-11 in a thrilling final at the Stade de France.
You can relive all the action right here.
Cane shown first-ever World Cup final red card
Sam Cane has been shown the first-ever red card in Rugby World Cup history for a nasty tackle on Jesse Kriel that left Sam Warburton grimacing. New Zealand’s skipper had his yellow card upgraded to a red for a ‘high degree of danger’ in the tackle.
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Follow the World Cup final here…
For live play-by-play commentary of the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand be sure to check out our final live blog, found here.
South Africa currently lead New Zealand 9-3.
Woodward disappointed by Rugby World Cup – ‘More of the same’
The Rugby World Cup final being played between New Zealand and South Africa has left England icon Sir Clive Woodward ‘disappointed’. The two Southern Hemisphere giants clash in Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown, but Woodward wanted to see the Northern Hemisphere represented.
“I have massive respect for South Africa and New Zealand Rugby. But I am disappointed the two teams competing for the trophy are once again the southern hemisphere giants,” Woodward wrote in the Daily Mail.
“This was supposed to be the World Cup where the north delivered. Instead, it’s more of the same.”
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New Zealand head coach Ian Foster previews the final
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster is relishing the final against South Africa.
“The fact is we have two teams who have been old foes for a long time,” he said earlier this week.
“We all remember the last final between us [in 1995], which was an epic, and hopefully this one will be the same. Then you do the maths and someone is going to win a fourth, so it’s special isn’t it?
“We’ve got massive regard for each other, massive respect for them as country in how they play. It’s a pretty cool one to get ready for.”
South Africa vs New Zealand team news
Here are the squad’s for the Rugby World Cup final.
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.
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.
Former World Cup winner has his say on Webb Ellis Cup final
Former World Cup winner Bobby Skinstad is backing the Springboks to see off the All-Blacks in the Webb Ellis Cup final.
He told Boyle Sports: “I think it’s going to be an unbelievable week of preparation. We’ve still got a few little nuances to go through when you see the teams and you see the final selections and final strategies that are put together by the coaching staff, we will be informed and influenced.
“I think we’re going to see an incredible match between two great countries that take each other on in this game that they love so much.
“I’ve got to go with my heart and say that South Africa will be good enough. New Zealand will not take a backwards step so we’re going to have to make sure we get the right players on the field at the right time and if we do that, then I believe with us at 100%, and them at 100%, we [South Africa] will win the World Cup final by 23-18.”
Matt Dawson left red-faced
England hero Matt Dawson may be feeling regretful over his earlier comments prior to the World Cup.
He complained about the lack of quality in the team and that he could not see where the world-class players were under Steve Borthwick.
But the team have defied expectations to finish third in France and they will feel that they have proved their doubters, including Dawson, wrong.
Englishman to feature in Rugby World Cup final
Referee Wayne Barnes will be the only Englishman involved in the Rugby World Cup final.
Steve Borthwick’s England side were dumped out in the semi-final, although did win their bronze match against Argentina on Friday.
Official Barnes, from Gloucestershire, will be the man in the middle as New Zealand take on South Africa.
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Farrell ‘not surprised’ by boos
Owen Farrell insists he is not surprised by boos aimed in his direction at the Rugby World Cup.
The England captain has been subjected to jeers from sections of the crowd during matches at the tournament.
But he said: “No, I am not surprised. It is usually like that here. When you play here in the Six Nations they don’t normally cheer you when you are having a shot at goal. It’s different here to England when a kicker is taking a shot. It’s just different, that’s all it is. That’s no problem.”
England star tells ex-player to ‘eat s***’
England star Joe Marler has told ex-player Andy Goode to “eat s***” over online criticism aimed at the prop.
Goode accused Marler of refusing to shake the hand of World Rugby chief Bill Beaumont during the Rugby World Cup bronze medal ceremony on Friday.
“Joe Marler showing a lack of respect for Bill Beaumont and walking straight past without shaking his hand, sums him up really,” former England player Goode wrote on X.
Marler responded: “Eat shit, w*** bucket. Let’s catch up soon x”
In an apparent feud, Goode has since replied: “Grow up Joe.”
Woodward slams RFU
Sir Clive Woodward has told the RFU to appoint a director of rugby.
Woodward, who coached England to World Cup success in 2003, wants one of Rassie Erasmus, Ian Foster or Joe Schmidt appointed to the role.
The trio will all be in the coaching box for tonight’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.
Woodward has slammed the RFU as a “old boys’ club”.
“The RFU should be looking at the South African and New Zealand coaching boxes on Saturday night with envy but also with an eye on trying to entice one of them as director of rugby,” Woodward wrote in the Daily Mail.
“I’ve long advocated for English rugby to employ someone of real stature, gravitas and quality to that role. For me, one of the fundamental reasons why the game in our country is still in such a precarious position is because the RFU lacks exactly that right now.
“Between Rassie Erasmus, Ian Foster and Joe Schmidt, there are some fascinating contenders. I’m sure all of them would covet the position as long as they were able to operate as they see fit.
“For as long as I can remember, the RFU has been far too cosy. It’s an old boys’ club which is slowly but surely bringing rugby to its knees at all levels.”
South Africa backed by Rugby Africa president
The president of Rugby Africa has sent a message of support to South Africa ahead of the Rugby World Cup final.
The Springboks can win consecutive World Cups by beating New Zealand tonight.
And Herbert Mensah has backed South Africa to go all the way.
Addressing Mark Alexander, the president of the South Africa Rugby Union, Mensah wrote: “Dearest Mark, My Brother.
“As we approach the grand finale, I am filled with immense pride for the extraordinary journey of the Springboks. The Springboks, reigning World Champions, stand as a symbol of positivity and strength. Your success is a reflection of the strength we find in unity and the unwavering spirit that defines our continent.
“Africa stands with you, celebrating your achievements and embracing the optimism that your path represents.
“As you prepare for the final challenge, remember YOU are not alone. The collective spirit of Africa is your constant companion, offering strength and support in all conditions. The journey of the Springboks have inspired us all.
“Show the world, once more, the unparalleled might of the Springbok spirit. Go Springboks Go!”
Rugby World Cup final – all the details
New Zealand face South Africa in tonight’s Rugby World Cup final.
The match will be played at the Stade de France, Paris.
It will begin at 20:00BST.
Line-ups:
New Zealand: B Barrett, Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea, Mo’unga, Smith, De Groot, Taylor, Lomax, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane (capt), Savea.
South Africa: Willemse, Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe Pollard, De Klerk, Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Vermeulen.
Marler’s X-rated reaction
Joe Marler admitted England were “c***” five months ago in an X-rated reaction to the triumph against Argentina.
Speaking on the pitch after collecting bronze, Marler said:
“Bonne Soiree (good evening). I just want to say on behalf of the team, to all the fans that have supported us out here and back at home, it has been phenomenal. It’s been a brilliant, brilliant journey.
“To come five months ago where we were c***, to start building a new England, there’s plenty of things to be hopeful for in the future so get behind the team moving forward, love you guys, bye!”
Ben Youngs winds down international career
Ben Youngs made his 127th and final test appearance for England in the victory over Argentina on Friday.
Youngs is retiring from international rugby and capped a remarkable career with a bronze medal at the Rugby World Cup.
“The game has given me so much. I have got huge friendships and bonds not just in this England team, but people I have played against for years,” Young, England’s most capped star, s told ITV.
“I have a bucketload of memories and I am very grateful, so thank you everyone. I will have a beer and enjoy myself with the boys tonight.”
All eyes on the final
New Zealand face South Africa in tonight’s Rugby World Cup final.
The two teams have shared every World Cup since the 2007 edition of the tournament.
South Africa are hoping to retain their crown, while New Zealand are bidding to win the World Cup for the third time in four tournaments.
Express Sport will have all the latest ahead of a highly anticipated showdown.
RFU in fresh racism storm
The RFU has banned a former council member from attending rugby matches at all levels after he was found guilty of using a racial slur.
Andrew Sarek accepted that he addressed a volunteer as a “black c***” during England’s clash with Wales in August.
However, he has denied that the term was “racist” and instead insisted that his comment was simply “crass”.
Sarek had stood down as an RFU council member for Eastern Counties five or six years ago according to the judgement.
The disciplinary judgement said: “When the RFU presented Mr Sarek with the facts of the allegations, as we have set out above, he readily accepted that he had committed an offence. Plainly all sides agree that the words ‘Black C’ were used.
“We regard it is as immaterial (for our purposes) whether ‘from the NLD’ were used. It is of note that Mr Sarek did not apologise at the time. Significantly, we found that whilst Mr Sarek accepted that his words were offensive, he had no insight as to the fact that they were racist. We reject the suggestion that they were merely crass.”
England star ‘punches opponent’
England’s Theo Dan has been accused of ‘punching’ Argentinian opponent Juan Cruz Mallia during Friday’s bronze match.
Mallia had attempted to tackle Dan as he went over for a try during England’s 26-23 victory.
But some supporters believe the England player left a subtle ‘punch’ on the Argentine. There have been calls for a punishment.
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s coverage of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup news.
We’ll have all the updates as we gear up to this evening’s showdown between New Zealand and South Africa.
There will also be plenty of fallout after England claimed bronze in France with victory over Argentina.
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