Here we are – the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final. Twenty teams started this path seven weeks ago when New Zealand took on France. Now, just two remain in the quest for the famous Webb Ellis Cup – New Zealand and South Africa.
Saturday’s final will be played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. One of the most famous stadiums in Europe, it has been host to a Rugby World Cup Final once before. That was in 2007 when South Africa beat England 15-7 – can the Springboks lift the trophy once more in the Paris suburbs?
What Nations have Qualified for the Final?
Old rivals New Zealand and South Africa will clash in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final, and whatever the outcome on Saturday evening, history will be made.
Both nations have lifted the William Webb Ellis on three occasions, so a victory for either would make them the outright record holder.
A win for South Africa would also see them join New Zealand as the only nation to have defended their Rugby World Cup crown – the All Blacks doing so in 2011 and 2015.
We look set for a thrilling final with New Zealand narrow favourites with the bookmakers due to them having an extra day’s rest heading into this clash and a slightly easier run to the final.
Having lost to France in the opening match of the tournament, the All Blacks have won five games in a row, including a frenetic win over Ireland in the quarter-finals, before cruising past Argentina in last weekend’s semi.
The Springboks have had to tough it out in the knockout stages, though – recording single-point victories over France in the quarter-finals and England in the semis.
Will fatigue play a part in Saturday’s final, or can the Springboks rally one last time in pursuit of history?
Player Overview
The Rugby World Cup Final is when the captain of a side needs to step forward. Leading by example is a prerequisite in a match of this enormity, and both captains will aim for a significant impact on proceedings.
Sam Cane has grown as the tournament has progressed, and it’s a testament to his leadership that this All Blacks squad are on the verge of making history.
Cane receives plenty of criticism but can now emulate David Kirk and Richie McCaw by lifting the William Webb Ellis trophy.
For the Springboks, Siya Kolisi epitomises the determination the squad possesses, and he will hope to be the first-ever South African to lead his side to back-to-back World Cup wins.
In what looks likely to be his last-ever appearance for his homeland, Kolisi will leave it all out on the pitch on Saturday evening.
Interesting Things to Bet on During the Final
The biggest market for the Rugby World Cup Final is betting on who will win the match.
New Zealand are the current favourites, but having recorded their largest-ever victory over the All Blacks in a pre-tournament friendly, the Springboks are bound to attract plenty of punters eager to back the outsiders.
Rugby World Cup Finals have tended to be low-scoring contests – in the previous nine finals, an average of 33 total points was scored, so a bet on under 35 points could pay dividends.
And, of course, betting on the first try scorer in the match is always a popular betting market – can New Zealand’s Will Jordan bag himself another try?
Tips for Betting on the Final
When betting on any sporting event, it is always best to know your subject matter. As this is the Rugby World Cup Final, there is plenty of form in the book, with each team playing six games to get here, and this duo are no strangers, having faced off regularly in the Rugby Championship.
If you want to bet in this match, then make sure you shop around to find the best price on offer. Bookmakers will be looking for extra business on such a big game. Because of this, there will be boosts and special offers. Take some time to look these over and find ones that are relevant to you for maximum impact. May the best team win!
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