The time has come. 20 teams. 51 days. 48 matches. 9 venues. The final of the Rugby World Cup has arrived.
Who is in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final?
Just two teams remain to fight it out for the World Championship title. Introducing your Rugby World Cup 2023 finalists: South Africa and New Zealand. We can’t say we’re surprised, although up until the 77th minute in the England v South Africa Semi-final we were convinced England would feature.
Both teams are aiming to become the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup a fourth time and be rugby’s most decorated nation– which means it’s all to play for.
South Africa (aka the Springboks) are the current world champions, and they will be tightly focused upon retaining their coveted title, but New Zealand (aka the All Blacks) will be a huge force in their way aiming to rob the Springboks and claim the glory for themselves. With three titles, one runner up finish and 49 wins to their name, the All Blacks are the most successful team in Rugby World Cup history. The two sides have a rich and illustrious rivalry which will make this final one to remember, as the spectators and teams prepare for lift off in Stade De France this coming weekend.
When is the Rugby World Cup final?
Saturday 28 October 2023, 8pm kick-off (BST).
Where is the Rugby World Cup final?
Stade de France, in Saint Denis, Paris.
RWC 2023 performance so far
The 2023 Rugby World Cup has been an absolute showstopper. After a heart-pounding and tense semi-final against England, narrowly clawing their way back and winning by one point with the help of a 78th minute penalty kick, South Africa will have their heart set on crossing the final hurdle. Having never lost a final, the team are hoping to become the second side in history to win back-to-back titles.
New Zealand’s semi-final win against Argentina was more dominant, securing a 44-6 win to land themselves in a record fifth Rugby World Cup final. The famous Haka draws the attention and awe of mesmerised fans who stop in their chants just to hear and watch the historic performance – but will the intimidation of the Haka get to the Springbok’s on Saturday?
South Africa
6 games played
5 games won
1 game lost
New Zealand
6 games played
5 games won
1 game lost
World Titles to their name
World Titles to their nameSouth Africa – 3 Rugby World Cup titles (1995, 2007 and 2019)
New Zealand – 3 Rugby World Cup titles (1987, 2011, 2015)
When did they last meet?
Both team’s most recent meeting was in August 2023 at Twickenham Stadium, where the Springboks secured a comfortable 35-7 win.
The teams have been playing each other in Test Match Rugby since 1921, making it one of the greatest rivalries in history. Both have played each other 105 times, the All Blacks leading 62 to 39, drawing 4 in total. Since 2021, New Zealand have won three matches and South Africa have also won three – levelling the playing field for what will be an epic final.
Key players to look out for
Springbok’s
Ox Nche – labelled as South Africa’s best scrummager and an out-and-out destroyer of a loosehead, he is one that every opponent fears. A pivotal member of ‘bomb squad’ (aka the Springbok’s fresh replacements who detonate and obliterate the opposing team), Nche was released in the semi-final against England when they were in danger and losing, but bounded into action and helped lead the team to victory.
Eben Etzebeth – an imposing 6ft8in figure and weighing 119kg, Etzebeth is a destructive force that isn’t afraid to get up in opponent’s faces.
Cheslin Kolbe – the fast-paced winger who, when he gets his hands on the ball anywhere on the pitch, is almost unstoppable. He can work enviably well off either foot when he steps, killing off opponents in a flash.
All Blacks
Will Jordan – the winger has had an incredible strike rate in this tournament and picked up a hat-trick against Argentina in last Friday’s semi-final, so all hopes are on him to continue his scoring streak.
Jordie Barrett – the incredible disruptor which is likely to cause the Bok’s some issues, Barrett’s gainline threat is diverse and plays a critical role in the team.
Codie Taylor – the team’s number one hooker is a solid set-piece and offers impressive skills, and is sure to put up a mighty front against South Africa’s formidable hooker, Bongi Mbonambi.
South Africa Rugby World Cup History
South Africa Rugby World Cup HistoryThe Springboks first played Test rugby in 1891 against the British Isles touring team, but it wasn’t until 1995 that they made their World Cup debut and won the tournament. In 2023, South Africa have faced every other team in the top six of the current rugby world rankings on route to the 2023 final.
New Zealand Rugby World Cup History
New Zealand Rugby was formed in 1892 but it wasn’t until 1987 when they made their Rugby World Cup debut in Auckland, both co-hosting and winning the first World Cup. They’re the only rugby team in Rugby World Cup history to have a 100% record success in the pool stages up until 2023.
When can I watch the two 2023 Rugby World Cup Finalists and World Number One?
Did you know that you can watch both 2023 Rugby World Cup finalists take centre stage at Twickenham Stadium in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series? The Springboks and All Blacks will face England on their home turf in November 2024 and wow do we have the ultimate experience lined up for you.
One of the teams will be the Rugby World Champions – but we will have to wait until Saturday to find out who!
With no Autumn Nations Series taking place in 2023 due to it being a World Cup Year, we are very excited to welcome guests back to experience our hospitality at Twickenham Stadium in 2024 for these jaw-dropping fixtures.
Click here to find out more and secure your place to watch one of the World Cup finalists!
