Popular former referee Nigel Owens has made his prediction for this Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.
One of the two nations will become the first to lift the Webb Ellis Cup four times. New Zealand previously won in 1987, 2011 and 2015, and South Africa in 1995, 2007 and 2019.
The bronze final will be contested between Argentina, who were beaten 44-6 by New Zealand in the first semi-final, and England who were beaten 16-15 by South Africa in the second. The penultimate match of the tournament will be played at the same venue on Friday, 27 October.
The full line-up is as follows (all CEST):
Friday, 27 October
Bronze Final – 20:00: Argentina v England – Stade de France
Saturday, 28 October
Final – 20:00: New Zealand v South Africa – Stade de France
Rugby World Cup 2027
Teams qualified for RWC 2027 in Australia courtesy of a top-three finish in their pool: Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Wales
Nigel Owens World Cup Prediction:
He wrote: “After a disaster of predictions in the quarters . The semi ones were 2 out 2 . JUST. Here we go for the final. New Zealand v South Africa
“The winner I think will be …… New Zealand,”
“Best of luck both teams and officials. Go well all.”
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Day jobs of the 2023 Rugby World Cup referee’s:
#1. Ben O’Keeffe
Age: 34
Nationality: New Zealand
Occupation: Eye Doctor
One of New Zealand’s six full-time referees, O’Keeffe is also a qualified doctor specialising in ophthalmology, which deals with eye health and disease.
Ben O’Keeffe facts:
O’Keeffe became an amateur referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in 2013 having started officiating in 2008 at the age of 19
He grew up in Blenheim, New Zealand and attended Marlborough Boys’ College where he was head boy in 2006.
O’Keeffe’s brother, Michael O’Keeffe, represented New Zealand at the 2012 London Olympics in football
Ben O’Keeffe toughest player to referee: Ma’a Nonu
O’Keeffe said: “I think like Ma’a Nonu, yeah he was pretty tough. I’ve noticed over the last few years that players are just a lot bigger, a lot faster and a lot stronger.
“I trained with the Highlanders pre-season one year and you get a real appreciation of how big, fit and hard they hit. That just remind me why I just I love refereeing – so I don’t have to take those big hits.”