Boks expect ‘grind’ against All Blacks

PARIS. — Defending champions South Africa expect today’s Rugby World Cup final against “greatest foes” New Zealand to be a “grind” as both teams eye what would be a record fourth title.  The Springboks and All Blacks share an unparalleled rivalry in the sport and have reached the final at the Stade de France thanks largely to dramatic quarter-final victories over fancied sides France and Ireland respectively.  After Northern Hemisphere teams finished atop all four pools, hopes were high that the Webb Ellis Cup would go the way of Europe for the first time since England in 2003. But that was not to be, as Wales fell to Argentina — who went down to New Zealand in the semi-finals — and England lost to South Africa in their last-four clash.

So once again the Cup will head southwards.  South Africa have never lost a World Cup final, winning the 1995, 2007 and 2019 editions.  New Zealand won in 1987, 2011 and 2015, but lost that 1995 final to the Springboks in a moment made special by Nelson Mandela’s rallying call as South Africa embarked on its arduous voyage away from the dark days of apartheid. — AFP.