Post by Hallabalu on Oct 29, 2023 19:00:09 GMT 12
By Liam Napier
29 Oct, 2023 10:35 AM[/div]New Zealand 11 South Africa 12
Dashed dreams for the courageous All Blacks. A record fourth global title for the Springboks by the barest of margins after a controversy and card-filled World Cup final. One point separates heartbreak and ecstasy at Stade de France as the ultimate redemption fell out of reach for the All Blacks.
As they have throughout their journey to this pinnacle juncture the All Blacks dug to the depths of adversity after battling for 42 minutes with one less player on the field following Sam Cane’s red card and Shannon Frizell’s yellow – both in the first half.
Ian Foster’s men never stopped believing. They pushed forward and constantly chased victory to hold the Springboks scoreless in the second half. In the end, though, they could not land the final definitive blow to steal the Webb Ellis Cup.
A rumble in the Paris rain gave way to a gripping second-half epic as the All Blacks refused to surrender. They embraced ambition and intent but finishing eluded them. The devastating defeat marks the end of an era for departing legends Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, and Dane Coles as well as Nepo Laulala, Shannon Frizell and Leicester Fainga’anuku – all of whom now leave the All Blacks.
Ian Foster and his coaching team, including Joe Schmidt, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, conclude their tenures with silver medals too.
What a great game this was!!
Dashed dreams for the courageous All Blacks. A record fourth global title for the Springboks by the barest of margins after a controversy and card-filled World Cup final. One point separates heartbreak and ecstasy at Stade de France as the ultimate redemption fell out of reach for the All Blacks.
As they have throughout their journey to this pinnacle juncture the All Blacks dug to the depths of adversity after battling for 42 minutes with one less player on the field following Sam Cane’s red card and Shannon Frizell’s yellow – both in the first half.
Ian Foster’s men never stopped believing. They pushed forward and constantly chased victory to hold the Springboks scoreless in the second half. In the end, though, they could not land the final definitive blow to steal the Webb Ellis Cup.
A rumble in the Paris rain gave way to a gripping second-half epic as the All Blacks refused to surrender. They embraced ambition and intent but finishing eluded them. The devastating defeat marks the end of an era for departing legends Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, and Dane Coles as well as Nepo Laulala, Shannon Frizell and Leicester Fainga’anuku – all of whom now leave the All Blacks.
Ian Foster and his coaching team, including Joe Schmidt, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, conclude their tenures with silver medals too.
What a great game this was!!