The final of the Rugby World Cup takes place in Paris on Saturday and @Olimp_SA have a preview including betting tips for the big match between New Zealand and South Africa
South Africa face New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at Stade de France on Saturday and in this article, 'The Don' looks at the finalists current form and the betting odds for the match.
New Zealand
New Zealand, who finished second in their group after losing only one game against France, encountered Ireland in the Quarterfinals. They clinched a hard-fought victory over Ireland in a tense match that ended 24-28, earning them a spot in the semi-finals where they were set to face Argentina.
Despite Argentina putting the first points on the board with an early penalty, New Zealand quickly responded, scoring two tries in the 11th and 16th minutes, giving themselves a 9-point lead. Argentina struck back with another penalty, reducing the deficit to 6 points. To close out the first half, New Zealand secured their first penalty and a third try, courtesy of Shannon Frizell, extending their lead to 14 points going into the second half.
The All Blacks maintained their momentum and dominated the early stages of the second half, scoring two tries in the first ten minutes. They continued their strong performance with two more tries before the game concluded, resulting in a total of seven tries, including a hattrick from Will Jordan. This impressive performance led to a commanding 38-point victory for the All Blacks and resulted in them starting favourites in the 2023 World Cup Final.
South Africa
The Springboks also secured a second-place finish in their group, with their sole loss coming against Ireland. They then faced the hosts, France, in the quarterfinals, where they narrowly earned a spot in the semifinals by defeating France by just one point. Their next challenge was facing England in the semifinal.
Despite South Africa entering the game as strong favourites, England managed to take an early lead with two penalties, giving them a 6-point advantage within the first 10 minutes. South Africa responded with a penalty of their own in the 24th minute, which was quickly matched by England, who restored the 6 point advantage. Both teams then added another penalty each before halftime, with England holding a 6-point lead as the score stood at 12-6.
England struck first in the second half with a powerful drop kick from their captain, Owen Farrell. South Africa bounced back when RG Snyman scored a crucial try in the 69th minute, bringing the Springboks back into contention. The Springboks won a scrum penalty in the 78th minute, which Handre Pollard comfortably converted, giving South Africa a one-point lead, and securing on of the great comebacks in knockout rugby.
Verdict
Both teams have demonstrated incredible form and determination throughout the World Cup so far, making a closely contested match almost inevitable. While New Zealand won their semifinal in a more convincing fashion, the Springboks always seem to have another trick up their sleeve and they have gone for a 7-1 bench. I think South Africa have some fight left in them and think they will win thematch but my money is on a low scoring game in tricky conditions.
The Don’s Play
Total points to be under 42.5 at 1.86
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