The rugby world is poised for an electrifying showdown as the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France reaches its pinnacle. Defending champions South Africa will lock horns with the three-time world champions, New Zealand, in a mouth-watering finale at the iconic Stade de France in Saint-Denis. This much-anticipated event promises to be a thrilling spectacle that rugby enthusiasts across the globe are eagerly awaiting.
Date: Saturday, 28th October 2023
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France
Kick-off Time: 21:00 local time. 3 pm EST
TV: NBC
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New Zealand and South Africa, two of the most successful teams in Rugby World Cup history, each boasting three titles, will vie for the ultimate honor. The All Blacks made history in 2015 by becoming the first team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup. Should the South African Springboks triumph, they would match this remarkable achievement.
The final is a clash of titans, reigniting one of rugby’s greatest rivalries. It’s a contest that holds a special place in rugby lore. The two teams last met in a World Cup final back in 1995. South Africa overcame New Zealand, securing their maiden Webb Ellis Cup. This victory was more than just a sporting triumph. It was a symbol of unity in the post-apartheid era, and the iconic image of Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar is etched into sporting history.
These two giants have crossed paths four times at the Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks have emerged victorious in three encounters. However, the Springboks got the better of New Zealand in the bronze-medal match of the 1999 edition. Their most recent clash on the World Cup stage saw New Zealand emerging victorious in the semifinals in 2015 on their way to securing a second consecutive title. South Africa, though, bounced back after a pool match defeat in 2019 to claim their third World Cup crown.
We are expecting a close and fairly low-scoring final. A match more like South Africa’s semi-final with England, which ended 15-16. Therefore, here are our betting picks for the final:
Rugby World Cup Final Betting Picks
New ZealandRugby World Cup Final New Zealand vs South Africa
Bovada offers the half-time/full-time bet. A half-time/full-time bet involves predicting both the outcome of a match at half-time and at full-time. It combines two predictions into a single wager.
Since the inception of the Rugby World Cup in 1987, only four nations – England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa – have had the privilege of lifting the coveted Webb Ellis Cup. The 2023 final will once again demonstrate the extraordinary caliber of rugby exhibited by these nations as they battle for the supreme honor.
Before the final showdown, England and Argentina will contest for the third-place position on Friday, 27th October, adding an extra layer of excitement to the weekend’s rugby festivities.
Road to the Final
New Zealand’s journey to the final got off to a bumpy start with a defeat to the host nation, France. However, they swiftly regained their momentum with resounding victories over Namibia, Italy, and Uruguay to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. A compelling quarter-final encounter against world number one side Ireland set the stage for the All Blacks, who demonstrated their prowess by defeating Argentina in the semi-finals.
The Springboks had a similar path to the semis. They finished second in their pool after a narrow defeat to Ireland but found their stride in other group games. A heart-stopping quarter-final clash with the hosts, France, ended in their favor, setting the stage for a semi-final showdown with England. Despite early adversity, South Africa displayed resilience, with a late penalty kick securing their place in the final.
How to Watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup Live
Rugby fans worldwide can witness the action unfold on the grandest stage. In the United States, NBC will provide live coverage, ensuring that enthusiasts across the nation can be part of this extraordinary sporting spectacle.
As the Rugby World Cup 2023 approaches its epic conclusion, the world awaits in anticipation of what promises to be a scintillating encounter between two of the sport’s greatest titans. Rugby history is about to be written once more at Stade de France. The world is watching as these two rugby giants vie for supremacy.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.