New Zealand 11 South Africa 12: Springboks WIN controversial Rugby World Cup final against 14-man All Blacks
SOUTH AFRICA retained their Rugby World Cup crown after beating New Zealand 12-11.
The Springboks had a man advantage for the majority of the match following the red card to All Blacks captain Sam Cane.
New Zealand had Shannon Frizell yellow carded after just two minutes and South Africa took advantage as they went into half-time leading 12-6.
However the All Blacks came out fighting after the break and seized the initiative after Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was yellow carded for a high tackle of his own.
As New Zealand piled on the pressure a brilliant run from Richie Mo'unga set up scrum-half Aaron Smith to cross the line for the first try of the match.
But it was disallowed following a knock-on by stand-in captain Ardie Savea in the build-up.
Kolisi then returned to the fold but the Kiwis did not lose heart and scored Jordy Barrett touched down moments later.
Barrett had the chance to become a hero with just minutes to spare but he fired a penalty wide from distance.
South Africa held on despite Cheslin Kolbe being sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on to claim a famous victory.