Prediction New Zealand vs South Africa – Rugby World Cup

Published on 10/28/2023 at 07:00 By Mathieu Dubos

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Modified on 10/28/2023
to 15:52

It’s the 2023 Rugby World Cup Grand Final on Saturday evening at the Stade de France, with a classic between South Africa and New Zealand! South Africa was very hot. The French team won the quarter-finals (27-26), benefiting in particular from very good refereeing, and South Africa was the favorite in its round against England. If everyone expected a clear African victory, the reality of the match was completely different. Behind the score from the first minute until the 78th minute, Sudan relied on a penalty kick from Pollard two minutes before the end to win again by a small point (15-16). World champions South Africa beat the Blacks solidly in preparation for the August 35-7 finale. I’m not sure the gap this time will be so big. To try to get a fourth crown, Hinge Pollard-de Klerk was chosen, unlike the last two matches. The Boks, slight favourites, walk forward with the confidence that they have never lost in a World Cup final (3 wins out of 3).

New Zealand were not necessarily expected to qualify for the final at the beginning of the competition, but New Zealand gained more strength during the 2023 World Cup. After their quarter-final victory over Ireland (27-23), the Blacks did not hesitate to then eliminate Argentina in the first half. (44-6). Led by Jordan, who has already made 8 tries in the competition, the All Blacks are avenging the heavy defeat they suffered this summer in preparation. No changes will be made for the Grand Final of 15 after the easy win over Argentina. With another day of recovery, a less physically demanding half and a newfound confidence, New Zealand have every argument on paper to topple their eternal rival and become the first team to have 4 stars on the jersey!