The Rugby World Cup final is finally upon us after 50 days of rugby union action in France. Sadly England are not involved in today’s showpiece which will once again see Southern Hemisphere giants New Zealand and South Africa do battle with one another to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
The Springboks are the reigning champions after beating England in the final in Yokohama, Japan four years ago. And they’re looking to defend their title against the All Blacks in Paris today with history on the line.
Both nations have won three World Cups before this with no other country on the planet winning more. New Zealand have only lost one of four finals they’ve played previously, in 1995 when they were beaten by South Africa, who have a 100 per cent win record in these matches.
The All Blacks are the slight favourites at the Stade de France after the semi-finals, having thrashed Argentina while South Africa only just battled past England. But the Springboks won the last contest 35-7 at Twickenham in a warm-up match in August and will carry confidence from that.
Express Sport brings you live updates of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa below…
