South Africa's Springboks 12, New Zealand's All Blacks 11. This was the final score at full time of the most important match of the four-year Rugby World Cup cycle, that took place on October 28, 2023.
It was South Africa's third consecutive match in which they won by 1 point.
New Zealand who were tied with South Africa with three Rugby World Cups, were also vying for their fourth win. New Zealand put up a tough fight with 14 men, having lost their captain, Sam Cane to a red card early in the game. South Africa's captain, Siya Kolisi was also yellow-carded, while the team's iron man hooker Bongi Mbonambi was out early with an injury.
In their road to the semi-final, South Africa beat Tonga 49-18; lost to Ireland; beat Romania 76-0; beat Scotland 18-3; beat France 29-28 and beat England 16-15.
The match for third place took place on Friday, October 27 between England and Argentina, with England's Rose's beating the Pumas 26-23.