All Blacks vs Springboks player ratings: 2023 Rugby World Cup final

South Africa became the first nation to win four Rugby World Cups after holding off New Zealand in a dramatic final at Stade de France.

Four Handre Pollard penalties to two from Richie Mo’unga gave the Springboks a 12-6 lead after a first half in which All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell was sin-binned for an incident in which Mbongeni Mbonambi was forced off injured, and New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a RWC final for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel.

Siya Kolisi and Kurt-Lee Arendse both went close for South Africa before Kolisi was yellow-carded and the All Blacks fought back, Aaron Smith denied a try for an earlier knock-on before Beauden Barrett touched down to bring them to within a point.

There was late drama as Cheslin Kolbe was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on and Jordie Barrett missed a long-range penalty that might have won it for New Zealand as the Springboks maintained their perfect record in finals, adding to their crowns in 1995, 2007 and 2019.

Scroll down for All Blacks vs Springboks player ratings.

1 Steven Kitshoff - 7

Offered a powerful carrying option around the park, as he trucked the ball up to leave the All Blacks with sore shoulders. Solid scrummaging from the off, and was key in throwing up Etzebeth and Mostert to disrupt the line-outs. (Ox Nche, 51')

2 Mbongeni Mbonambi - N/a

Went down injured after an early ruck, as Shannon Frizzell landed with his entire bodyweight on Mbonambi's out-stretched leg. Was seen warming up on the side-lines, but did not return with his run-out resembling Kyle Sinckler's cameo from four years ago. (Dean Fourie, 3').

3 Frans Malherbe - 6

Flew into the tackles, and left his mark on the All Blacks with the stakes as high as ever. Scrummed solidly with Kitshoff, and adapted well on the early introduction of Fourie. Strong pillar in the line-out. (Trevor Nyakane, 65').

4 Eben Etzebeth - 7.5

Set the tempo of the match with a monstrous hit on Richie Mo'unga after two minutes. Flexed his muscles with big carries, and imposed his presence with line-out steals. Gave away a line-out penalty at 26 minutes, and an obstruction offence at 37 minutes. His physicality was as dominant as ever. (Jean Kleyn, 59').

5 Franco Mostert - 7

Worked excellently with Etzebeth, and disrupted Codie Taylor's line-out consistency. Heavy pressure on the set-piece with his second row partner taking the spotlight. (RG Snyman, 51').

6 Siya Kolisi (c) -7.5

Achieved his goal in becoming the second captain after Richie McCaw to win back-to-back Rugby World Cup Finals. Suffocated Will Jordan's attacking tempo, and could have played in Arendse for an early second half try. Sin binned for his high tackle on Ardie Savea, but returned to lead his side to glory.

7 Pieter-Steph Du Toit - 10

One of the best performances from any Springbok in a Rugby World Cup Final. Simply outstanding from du Toit, as he made a staggering 28 tackles, and bossed the collision over the gain-line. Started off like Etzebeth with a big hit on Mo'unga, and also repeatedly nailed 6ft 5 Jordie Barrett to turf. Phenomenal.

8 Duane Vermeulen - 7

Big hits along with his teammates, and carried with intent. Winning the Rugby World Cup in his final game of rugby, the 37-year-old left it all on the line and will now enjoy his retirement with another RWC winners medal. Biggest carry was at 42 minutes, as he flew into the line.

9 Faf de Klerk - 7.5

Immediate pressure on Aaron Smith, as he did not give the All Black an inch at the back of the scrum. As vocal as ever, and won penalties at the breakdown knowing that every penalty counts in the RWC final. Tackled Mark Tele'a off the ball, as tempers flared on the grandest stage. Started with Pollard for his 25th time, with the veteren partnership reaping the rewards.

10 Handre Pollard - 8.5

In for Manie Libbok who was left out of the entire match-day 23. Pollard set the tone with kicks at the goal from the get-go, to keep the score-board ticking over. Slotted the penalties really well, with a 49m effort showing his skillset. Left with a scar on his cheek, and a reminder of an epic performance in France.

11 Cheslin Kolbe - 7.5

A great kick chaser, Kolbe beat the likes of Will Jordan and Richie Mo'unga in the air. Great covering run on Reiko Ioane, to sweep up the loose ball in a dangerous position. Hit Will Jordan with two tackles straight out of a wrestling ring, and kept the tournament's top try scorer quiet. Sin-binned for a deliberate knock on, and couldn't watch the closing plays of the match.

12 Damian de Allende - 6.5

Relentless running and defensive pace of his own line. Kept Mo'unga under pressure and was a key pivot in the flow of Springboks' attack. His distributions throughout the back-line put the explosive back-three into space time and again.

13 Jesse Kriel - 7

Ran through Aaron Smith after the scrum half passed, with a ninth minute collision that set the tempo of the match. Tried some testing kicks into the back-field, with his grubber efforts having better impacts than any high balls. Hit high by Sam Cane, which sent the All Blacks captain to the side-lines.

14 Kurt-Lee Arendse - 7

Knocked on a couple of high-balls, as conditions played a major factor in France. Almost scored from Cheslin Kolbe's kick along the touch-line, but could not ground the effort in the corner. Tackled Mark Tele'a into touch, for a key saving tackle. Stepped by Mo'unga, yet the following Aaron Smith was chalked off for a knock-on.

15 Damian Willemse - 6

Missed a few battles under the high ball, yet was better after being set off at pace across the park. Stepped his way passed the All Blacks defenders, and was buried into touch by Tele'a at 24 minutes. Tried two long distance drop goals, as he channeled his inner Joel Stransky.

16 Deon Fourie - 7.5

On much earlier than expected, following the third minute with-drawl to Bongi Mbonambi. Shook off the nerves with good set-pieces, and made a huge turnover at 32 minutes as he cleared out both Jordie and Scott Barrett at the ruck.

17 Ox Nche - 7

The key scrummager in the semi-final win over England, was back at his best for the all-important final. Instantly upped the tempo in the front row, Nche scrummed like a machine and led the Boks up front to the end.

18 Trevor Nyakane - 6

Like Nche, the replacement prop Nyakane had a physical presence on the clattering battle in the Stade de France. The Springbok scrum success was vital for their overall win, and Nyakane ensured that the Springboks saw out the match with a win.

19 Jean Kleyn - 6

Immediately flung into the fray, and set his intentions with a big hit on Ardie Savea. Kleyn was the reinforcement for Etzebeth, and the replacement lock stepped up into the giant spot left in the final.

20 RG Snyman - 6.5

Similar to Kleyn, RG Snyman was a key player in the latter Springboks scrums. Snyman imposed his giant frame on the All Blacks, and defended well into the tense final moments.

21 Kwagga Smith - 7

Targeted the ball on Kolbe's spinning hit on Will Jordan, and stole possession back to the Springboks. On for the retiring Duane Vermeulen, and was a confident replacement on the big stage.

22 Jasper Wiese - 5

Put on for the final six minutes, to close out the win with the Web Ellis Trophy on the line. Lost in the shuffle amongst the cataclysmic finale, but good to get his well-earned run out in the RWC Final.

23 Willie Le Roux - 6

Confident to take over kicking duties from his hands, and sent his powerful forwards through gaps with his eager playmaking abilities.

1 Ethan de Groot - 6

Led on the loose-head in the lighter scrum pack, and came away from a glancing blow with a bloodied nose. Presented his versatility to carry and distribute, as he sent supporting runners through carries with pop passes. (Tamatai Williams 65’).

2 Codie Taylor - 7

Line-outs began crisp, but the disturbance of Etzebeth and Mostert got into his head. Gave away a penalty for not rolling away on his try-line, but threw a winger-esque step along the right touch-line. Regathered himself at the line-out which was a key battle in the match. (Samisoni Taukei’aho 65’).

3 Tyrel Lomax - 6

Carried hard into contact, but was hit back just as hard by the titanic Springboks. Swept up well on the loose ball, and left it all one field and made the hard yards count. (Nepo Laulala 65’).

4 Brodie Retallick - 7

Powered through the gain-line and was flawless in the air, Retallick could not have worked harder in his final test in a black jersey. Stole a South African line-out at 29 minutes, and constantly put pressure on Dean Fourie’s throw-ins. (Dalton Papali’i 70’).

5 Scott Barrett -7

Made amends after being sent off in the RWC warm-up match at Twickenham, with a strong effort around the park. Put in a massive hit on Cheslin Kolbe, and constantly drove forward for the hard yards.

6 Shannon Frizell - 6

Dropped his weight onto the out-stretched leg of Bongi Mbonambi, and earned himself a 10 minute trip to the sin bin. Redeemed himself upon his return, as he battled to the end against the relentless Springboks, halting their progress over the gain-line.

7 Sam Cane (c) - 5

Was once again sent to the side-lines, after being sin-binned in the Twickenham match against South Africa. A moment of madness saw the All Blacks captain lead with his shoulder, and make contact with the head of Kriel. His RWC Final lasted 28 minutes, with his bunker review upgraded to a red card. Gave a devastated post match interview, but led his side valiently throughout the tournament.

8 Ardie Savea - 8.5

A real contender for Man of the Match, had du Toit not been a tackling machine in Paris. Flew in with a explosive tackles, and cleared out the breakdowns with big hits. Almost scored off a 16 minute chip chase, but was unable to ground Jordie Barrett's nudge. Charged down Handre Pollard's drop goal, and denied a 'Stransky' moment.

9 Aaron Smith - 7

His passion showed in the pre-match haka, for his final All Blacks match. Smith had tears in his eyes as he led the haka and set the match off with some excellent tempo to his passing. The Springboks tried to slow the scrum-halves’ ball distribution, yet Smith ordered his men around the park to match the South African offensive. Took a heavy hit off the ball from Jesse Kriel, and had an unfortunate try disallowed at 54 minutes. Came off with a stinging shoulder, after a clattering hit on Kolbe. (Finlay Christie, 65').

10 Richie Mo'unga - 7

Lost the early aerial battle to Cheslin Kolbe, as the Springboks peppered the All Blacks halfback with high balls. Nailed by Etzebeth early on, as the Boks imposed their brutal physicality. Dropped a pass out in a wide channel, that could have led to a score at 46 minutes. Awesome run in the build up to Smith's disallowed try, as he beat Arundse, fended Kriel and dummied past Willemse. (Damian McKenzie, 74').

11 Mark Tele'a - 8

Hit off the ball by Faf de Klerk, as the match hit a physical and emotional frenzy early on. Made a key covering tackle on Damien Willemse, sending the fullback into touch. The All Blacks come alive when Tele’a made a break, as he gave his side a psychological lift following the red card to Sam Cane.

Skipped past defenders, with a 36^th minute run showcasing his hot-stepping abilities. Awesome defensive work rate, he supplied the extra weight at the breakdown when New Zealand dropped to 14 men.

12 Jordie Barrett 7.5

Nice passes despite the rain, as he executed some slick ‘out-the-back’ offloads to keep the All Blacks ball alive. His heavy gain-line breaks were felled by the monstrous defensive efforts of Etzebeth and Mostert. Great line speed in defence, Jordie 6ft 5 frame flew into the gold and green bodies. Held up a try when the Springboks drove over from close range, yet missed a crucial penalty at 73 minutes.

13 Rieko Ioane - 6.5

Offering go forward on every carry, with his astute knowledge to spot gaps and slide past defenders. A great effort saw him explode onto the ball on 21 minutes, but was nailed by du Toit. He almost scored on a curving run, but the combined efforts of Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt Lee-Arendse muscled him into touch at 36 minutes.

14 Will Jordan - 6.5

Came into the match with eight tries, looking to score a record ninth, which would be the best effort from one player in a single men’s Rugby World Cup campaign. Struggled to get into the game early on, with heavy hits flying in from the Springboks, and the ball greasy in the rain Repeatedly smashed by heavy hits, including two judo like takedowns by Kolbe.

15 Beauden Barrett - 7

Confident to go to the boot from the get go, and swept well with a key pick-up at 10 minutes. This cover stopped the Springboks in a try-scoring position. Scored the sole try of the 2023 RWC Final, as he powered on to Tele'a's offload, and dove over to send the Stade de France into a frenzy.

16 Samisoni Taukei'aho - 5.5

Big call to select Taukei'aho on the bench, and leave out veteran 2015 RWC winner Dane Coles from the entire All Blacks squad. Offered his power around the park, but didn't hit a consistent stride at the set-piece.

17 Tamaiti Williams - 6

On for Ethan de Groot as Ian Foster switched up his entire front row for the final 15 minutes. Williams tried to impose his physicality, but was overshadowed by the Springboks' unrelenting drive over the finish line.

18 Nepo Laulala -6

Similarly to Williams, Laulala was introduced along with the hooker and prop, to rescue the battel up front. This was an unsuccessful mission, as the Springboks held their ground to run down the clock. Did offer his efforts with good defensive work rate.

19 Samuel Whitelock - 6.5

Whitelock was unable to become the only player in history to win three Rugby World Cups. The iconic lock steps down from the international scene, and heads to Pau after a 26 minute run out in the final. Offered a strong leadership role in the tense latter stages, for his 153rd test cap.

20 Dalton Papali'i - 6

On for the evergreen Brodie Retallick, with the second row amongst a litany of players to step down from the All Blacks. The Blues man had a 10 minute cameo in the RWC Final, and will push on to become a mainstay in years to come.

21 Finlay Christie - 6.5

On for the internationally retiring Aaron Smith, and took over from the boot with nicely weighted set-pieces. Given the final 15 minutes to help salvage the match against the Springboks, but could not muster up the win. Another one for All Blacks' future starts, with Smith off to Japan.

22 Damian McKenzie - 6

The Chiefs man had the final 10 minutes, and added a noticeable step up in the tempo at first receiver. Mo'unga was left battered and bruised by the Boks, with McKenzie trying to exploit even half a gap in the green and gold line.

23 Anton Lienert-Brown - 6

On for another battered All Black in Will Jordan, Lienert-Brown presented a nice lift in the midfield and swept well to cover the late Springboks kicks. Sent a nice offload out the back, yet Kolbe's interference earned the Springbok a yellow card.