Who Will Win?
New Zealand enter this clash with South Africa as slight favourites. However, this Rugby World Cup final really is anyone’s game.
The All Blacks have earned the ‘favourites’ label because they easily cruised past Argentina in their semi-final, while the Springboks edged past England by the skin of their teeth.
That said, both of these sides are in good form and have only lost one game during the tournament. Plus, both of these squads have won the Rugby World Cup three times before, meaning they both know how to handle the pressure on the biggest stage of them all.
Think you know which way New Zealand vs South Africa will go? Vote in our poll.
Head-to-Head
Amazingly, the All Blacks hold a winning record against every international team they’ve ever played. However, in the last five meetings between these two teams, South Africa have won three games while New Zealand have only won two. The Springboks have also won both of the last two games between the sides, including a comprehensive victory over the All Blacks just before the tournament began.
History tells us that the first try in New Zealand vs South Africa games is vital. This is because the team that has scored the first try has won the fixture 80% of the time!
Team Form
Both sides come into this game in fine form. However, while South Africa struggled to squeeze past a spirited England side in their semi-final, New Zealand demolished Argentina 44-6 and look as though they are peaking at just the right time.
Below our team form guide, you can see in-depth stats about how the two sides have performed in their last five games, including stats about the number of tries they’ve scored, their overall points difference and the number of times they’ve scored the first try. New Zealand have the edge in many of these categories, but it takes a brave person to bet against the Springboks.
Player Head-to-Head
Rugby World Cup finals are often decided by one moment of individual brilliance. After all, who can forget Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal in the 2003 final?
With this in mind, here’s how Richie Mo'unga and Manie Libbok have performed in recent games between the two countries. Could either of these fly-halves produce a moment of magic that could win the Rugby World Cup for their country?
Other Fixtures
The Rugby World Cup final is undoubtedly the pick of the action this weekend. But, before New Zealand vs South Africa kicks off, take a look at all of the recent fixtures and get a sense of how each side has been performing.
New Zealand vs South Africa 2023: Detailed Match Preview
On Saturday 28th October, 2023, New Zealand will face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France in Paris.
This promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams that are at the peak of their powers. New Zealand enter the clash in fine form. Since they were defeated by France in the opening game of the tournament, they’ve been imperious and have won each game they’ve played at a canter. They even put 44 points past Argentina in their semi-final!
Meanwhile, South Africa, who are the reigning world champions, also come into this game playing some of their best rugby. Although they were pushed to the limit by England in their semi-final, the Springboks have been playing with a point to prove since they were defeated by Ireland in the pool stage.
This particular clash looks set to be one for the ages. After all, both teams are evenly matched and feature two colossal packs that won’t give ground to the other.
Whichever team wins will become the first country to win the Webb Ellis Cup four times - we can’t wait to see which captain is holding the trophy aloft on Saturday evening. Let us know what you think will happen in the comments.
Live Updates
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) is shown a yellow card
A penetrating move by New Zealand results in a try for Beauden Barrett.
Siya Kolisi (South Africa) is shown a yellow card
Richie Mo'unga has kicked a penalty goal.
The South Africa supporters go wild as Handre Pollard successfully kicks the penalty goal.
Sam Cane (New Zealand) is shown the red card
Handre Pollard does the business as their penalty goal attempt goes over.
Richie Mo'unga does the business as their penalty goal attempt goes over.
Handre Pollard makes no mistake with that penalty goal attempt.
Handre Pollard has kicked a penalty goal.
Shannon Frizell (New Zealand) is shown a yellow card