The upcoming finale at Stade de France promises to be a historic clash as New Zealand and South Africa, both three-time champions, compete for the Webb Ellis Cup.
The Springboks have an impeccable record in finals, never having lost, and are on the cusp of achieving back-to-back titles, a feat only one other team has accomplished.
The All Blacks, on the other hand, have already set a record by reaching their fifth final, with their sole defeat in this stage occurring in 1995 against South Africa.
Will Jordan is poised to make history by potentially becoming the first player to score nine tries in a single men’s tournament. In the bronze final, Argentina and England, who are both eager to prove themselves after contrasting defeats in the semi-finals, will face off.
In the semi-finals, New Zealand faced Argentina, with Will Jordan standing out as the third player to score a hat-trick in a men’s Rugby World Cup semi-final. New Zealand convincingly defeated Argentina 44-6 in challenging weather conditions.
Jordan also joined the exclusive club of players with eight tries in a single men’s tournament, alongside legends like Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana, and Julien Savea. New Zealand dominated the game, with Jordie Barrett, Shannon Frizell, and Aaron Smith also contributing tries.
Argentina’s frustration stemmed from their inability to breach the All Blacks’ solid defensive wall, despite their bright start and attacking efforts. The Pumas managed only two Emiliano Boffelli penalties in response.
In the other semi-final, South Africa faced England in a nail-biting match that ended 16-15 in the Springboks’ favor. Handré Pollard’s 50-meter penalty two minutes from time secured the victory for the defending champions, marking the first time they took the lead against England in the match.
The story of the game, much like their previous encounter with France, revolved around the impact of substitutions from both teams.
England’s starting pack had performed well against South Africa, achieving parity and more. However, when RG Snyman entered the game and several front-row players were substituted, the Springboks gained the upper hand.
Four penalties and a drop goal from England’s captain, Owen Farrell, had given England a 15-6 lead going into the final quarter, which seemed sufficient in the challenging playing conditions.
But with the Springboks gaining dominance in the scrums and Snyman scoring the game’s only try, the match took a dramatic turn. Pollard’s successful conversion brought them within a penalty of victory, and a scrum penalty against England provided Pollard with a final opportunity in the 78th minute, which he seized to break England’s hearts and give the Springboks a chance to claim back-to-back titles.
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