Photo essay: Rugby World Cup's final day

1:02 pm on 29 October 2023
South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is tackled by New Zealand's Will Jordan during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between the All Blacks and the Springboks.

South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is tackled by New Zealand's Will Jordan during the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Old rugby adversaries New Zealand and South Africa faced off in a tense final at the Rugby World Cup final in France on Sunday morning (NZ time).

RNZ has collated images documenting the biggest day of the year for rugby fans in New Zealand and South Africa:

Supporters of both teams were out in force in France ahead of the kick-off.

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

New Zealand, South African, France and England fans are out in force to show their support for their teams and their love of rugby as the All Blacks and Springboks prepare to play each other in the Rugby World Cup finals at State de France in France on Saturday night, Sunday morning NZT.

Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter

Here in New Zealand, fans were also showing their support - even as some of them prepared to undertake sporting achievements of their own.

Springbok fan Neil Rossouw channels Faf de Klerk as he prepares to run the full Auckland Marathon on 29 October, 2023, as New Zealand takes on South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France.

Springbok fan Neil Rossouw channels Faf de Klerk as he prepares to run the full Auckland Marathon. Photo: RNZ / Rhonwyn Newson

#wheresvolley: Wendy Smit is running the 2023 Auckland half marathon with Volley the teddy to raise money for Starship.

Wendy Smit was also running the half marathon in Auckland - raising funds for Starship along the way, with her sidekick Volley the teddy bear. Photo: RNZ / Rhonwyn Newson

Siblings and Springbok fans Rhonwyn, Kristen and Jared get ready for the Auckland half marathon on 29 October, 2023, as New Zealand and South Africa prepare to face-off in the final of the Rugby World Cup.

As were Springbok-supporter siblings Rhonwyn, Kristen and Jared. Photo: RNZ / Rhonwyn Newson

(L-R) Claire Shoko, Rudo Tagwireyi and Caleb Vercoe enjoy the Rugby World Cup final buildup at Christchurch's No.4 restaurant and bar on 29 October, 2023.

In Christchurch, Claire Shoko, Rudo Tagwireyi and Caleb Vercoe enjoyed the build-up to the game at No.4 restaurant and bar. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns

As kick-off approached, fans settled in to watch around the world.

Fans begin arriving at Eden Park in Auckland on 29 October, 2023, to watch the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup final, being played at Stade de France in Paris.

Fans began arriving at Eden Park in Auckland early to watch the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, being played at Stade de France in Paris. Photo: RNZ / Symone Tafuna'i

A Springboks supporter at the All Blacks v South Africa Rugby World Cup final match at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on 29 October, 2023.

A Springboks supporter in the stands at Stade de France. Photo: Photosport / Andrew Cornaga

New Zealand All Blacks fans and supporters. Rugby World Cup France 2023, New Zealand All Blacks v South Africa FInal match at Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France on Saturday 29 October 2023. Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

An All Blacks supporter in the stands at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Things were tense as the game got underway.

The All Blacks perform the haka before the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa at Stade de France.

The All Blacks perform the haka before the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Early nerves at the Pioneer Tavern in Waipapa, Northland, as the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup final in France.

Early nerves at the Pioneer Tavern in Waipapa, Northland, as the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup final in France. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

The Green Man Pub in Wellington is packed full of nervous All Black supporters at New Zealand takes on South Africa in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup on 29 October.

All Black supporters watch the match at the Green Man Pub in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston

All Black Jordie Barrett in action during the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between the New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France.

All Black Jordie Barrett in action during the Rugby World Cup final between the New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

And then they took a turn New Zealand fans did not want to see.

Referee Wayne Barnes shows a red card to New Zealand captain Sam Cane during the Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and South Africa at Stade de France.

Referee Wayne Barnes shows a red card to New Zealand captain Sam Cane. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

All Blacks fan Sophia Thomas of Te Tii reacts with disbelief at the Pioneer Tavern in Waipapa, as Sam Cane's yellow card is upgraded to red during the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa on 29 October, 2023.

All Blacks fan Sophia Thomas, watching the match at the Pioneer Tavern in Waipapa, reacts with disbelief as Sam Cane's yellow card is upgraded to red. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

A dejected Sam Cane after being given a red card in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France.

A dejected Sam Cane after being given a red card. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

There was more heartbreak to come, as a try by Richie Mo'unga was disallowed.

Massive cheers at the Green Man Pub in Wellington as Richie Mo'unga crosses the line during the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand on 29 October, 2023.

Massive cheers at the Green Man Pub in Wellington as Richie Mo'unga crosses the line. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston

But New Zealand fans' spirits were restored as Beauden Barrett scored a short time later.

Beauden Barrett dives to score a try for the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France.

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett scores a try during the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Celebrations at the Homestead Sports Bar in Kerikeri as the All Blacks finally have a try allowed during their Rugby World Cup final match against the Springboks.

Celebrations at the Homestead Sports Bar in Kerikeri as the All Blacks finally have a try allowed. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Celebrations at the Green Man Pub in Wellington as Beauden Barrett scores for the All Blacks during the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup on 29 October, 2023.

Celebrations at the Green Man Pub in Wellington as Beauden Barrett scores for the All Blacks. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston

As the second half wore on and the Springboks' early lead narrowed, there were more tense scenes.

Fans gather at Victoria Park in central Auckland to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand at Stade de France.

Fans watch the match on a big screen in central Auckland's Victoria Park. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa Almeida

South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is tackled by New Zealand's Will Jordan during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between the All Blacks and the Springboks.

South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is tackled by New Zealand's Will Jordan. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Cantabrian All Blacks fans are on edge at No. 4 restaurant and bar as the Rugby World Cup final enters its final stanzas.

All Blacks fans in Christchurch were on edge at No. 4 restaurant and bar as the Rugby World Cup final entered its final stanzas. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns

New Zealand's fly-half Richie Mo'unga kicks the ball but fails to convert a try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on 28 October, 2023.

New Zealand's fly-half Richie Mo'unga kicks the ball but fails to convert a try. Photo: Miguel Medina / AFP

Rugby fans gather at Eden Park in Auckland to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and the Springboks at Stade de France.

Fans fill the stands at Eden Park in Auckland to watch the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand at Stade de France. Photo: RNZ / Sigrid Yiakmis

South Africa's full-back Damian Willemse is tackled during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and the Springboks at the Stade de France.

South Africa's full-back Damian Willemse is tackled during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

New Zealand's scrum-half Aaron Smith reacts during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France.

New Zealand's scrum-half Aaron Smith reacts during the Rugby World Cup final. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

But the game ultimately did not go the All Blacks' way, with the Springboks regaining the championship title in a 12-11 victory.

South Africa's flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (C) kisses the Webb Ellis Cup as he celebrates winning the France 2023 Rugby World Cup final match against New Zealand at the Stade de France on 28 October, 2023.

South Africa's flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (C) kisses the Webb Ellis Cup as he celebrates the Springboks' win. Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP

A dejected Rieko Ioane after the All Blacks loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final.

A dejected Rieko Ioane after the All Blacks loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi (C) celebrates with teammates South Africa's prop Ox Nche (L) and South Africa's prop Trevor Nyakane (R) after victory in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP)

South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi (C) celebrates with teammates South Africa's prop Ox Nche (L) and South Africa's prop Trevor Nyakane (R) after the Springboks' victory in France. Photo: ANTONIN THUILLIER

New Zealand's Tamaiti Williams reacts after South Africa won the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

New Zealand's Tamaiti Williams reacts after South Africa win the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Photo: AFP / MIGUEL MEDINA

All Blacks fans at Christchurch's No. 4 bar and restaurant react after the final whistle in the 2023 Rugby World Cup match between New Zealand and South Africa.

All Blacks fans at Christchurch's No. 4 bar and restaurant react after the final whistle. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns

South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi's daughter, Esa (L), raises the Webb Ellis Cup in the air as she is carried by her father as South Africa's players celebrate winning the France 2023 Rugby World Cup final match against New Zealand at the Stade de France on 28 October, 2023.

Esa, the daughter of South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi, raises the Webb Ellis Cup in the air as she is carried by her father after the Springboks won the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Emmanuel Dunand / AFP

All Blacks fans at the Homestead Sports Bar in Kerikeri react to the score as the full-time whistle sounds.

All Blacks fans at the Homestead Sports Bar in Kerikeri react to the score as the full-time whistle sounds. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Players of South Africa celebrate their victory at the Rugby World Cup 2023 at Stade de France on 28 October, 2023.

The South Africans celebrate their victory over New Zealand in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Matthieu Mirville / DPPI via AFP

And then there is this:

Springbok's scrum-half Faf de Klerk celebrates by stripping down to his speedos.

Faf de Klerk's speedo celebrations at the 2019 and 2023 celebrations, as shared by World Rugby. Photo: Supplied / Twitter @rugbyworldcup

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