With the World Cup final starting this morning in France, it’s the biggest day in rugby history.
The world championship match between South Africa and New Zealand, longtime rivals in rugby, gets underway at 8 a.m.
It all comes down to this, as All Black and Springbok supporters are present in large numbers in Paris and throughout the world, eager for their teams to be proclaimed champions, after weeks of close games and a festive mood.
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New Zealand vs South Africa: Rugby World Cup live
Minute-by-minute updates as the only countries to win three world crowns square off in the battle for a fourth
A few adjustments have been done by Nienaber/Erasmus. After barely 30 minutes in the previous week’s semifinal, Handré Pollard takes over at position 10, with Mannie Libbok dropping out of the 23. Additionally, Faf de Klerk is elevated from the bench to take the starting scrumhalf position.
What else is there to look at on the bench than the combination of seven strikers and one back? It’s one thing to do it against Ireland in the pool stages, but it’s quite another in the World Cup final. Out of the 23 replacements, Willie le Roux is the only one who has returned, with Jean Kleyn and Jasper Wiese coming back after a few weeks.
Trevor Nyakane takes over for Vincent Koch, who, at the age of 18, secured the game’s last scrum penalty against England.
Team news: The New Zealand team that destroyed Argentina in the semifinal will be starting with one change. Once more, the second row switches roles, with Brodie Retallick being promoted to the starting lineup and Sam Whitelock being benched.
From the backrow, Sam Cane leads the side once more.
The only two nations with three World Cup victories, New Zealand and South Africa, square off to see who can win four.
There are numerous subplots. a team that the public perceives as being more aggressive vs one that is more defensive and kick-heavy. In their final games in charge, Ian Foster faced Jacques Nienaber.Joe Schmidt and Raisie Erasmus, the former provincial head coaches facing off. It sounds like a really good time.
Up to kickoff (8 p.m.), we will begin the build-up, following which live commentary will begin.
