The Rugby World Cup Final is the single pinnacle match in the international career of the world’s best rugby players. The most anticipated contest within the sport takes place just once every four years, and has generated some truly unforgettable matches and moments.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup Final takes place on Saturday October 28th, with the bright lights of the Stade de France set to host this year’s showpiece event.
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New Zealand and South Africa are set to meet in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, for a blockbuster end to the competition in France. Both sides are looking to become the first nation to win four Rugby World Cups, with South Africa also looking to retain their title as World Champions. The All Blacks are the only side to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups, with their heroics of 2011 and 2015 being as yet unrepeated.
We are set for a dramatic finale to the Rugby World Cup this Saturday, but for now let’s look back on the history of the Rugby World Cup Final. Here are our picks for the Top 5 Rugby World Cup Final matches, lets take a look at some of the greatest moments in the history of the sport we love.
1. South Africa 15 – 12 New Zealand (After Extra Time): 1995 Rugby World Cup Final
The 1995 Rugby World Cup Final may not be best remembered for the on-field events, as the match saw the Springboks and All Blacks trade penalties and drop goals for 100 minutes. However, this try-less game is considered to be one of the most significant sporting events in history.
The post-match imagery of Nelson Mandela wearing a Springboks jersey, and handing the Web Ellis trophy to Francois Pienaar will never be forgotten in the history of South Africa’s progression away from Apartheid. This symbol of solidarity for a united South Africa is an iconic image from an unforgettable Rugby World Cup Final.
The All Blacks and Springboks battled valiantly throughout the match, yet neither side was able to make a decisive break past their opposition’s defensive lines.
Led by the their Captian Francois Pienaar, South Africa even had the answer to the powerhouse presence of the late, great Jonah Lomu. All the points of the game came from the boots of the All Black’s Andrew Mehrtens and Springbok’s Joel Stransky for a 9-9 full time draw.
Extra time began, and the All Blacks took a three point lead after Mehrtens slotted another penalty. Stransky levelled the scores once again to 12-12 after 90 minutes, before producing the definitive drop goal on the 92nd minute.
An incredible effort from far and out wide re-claimed the Springboks’ lead, and South Africa were then able to hold out for the remainder of the match, and lift the Web Ellis trophy for the first time in their history.