Fans claim Rugby World Cup is ‘rigged’ as history is made in chaotic New Zealand vs South Africa final
RUGBY fans have claimed the Rugby World Cup is "rigged" after South Africa's narrow win over New Zealand in the final.
South Africa won the title for the second time running with an 11-12 win over the All Blacks.
The Springboks took an early lead as New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a men's Rugby World Cup final after seeing his yellow card upgraded to a red.
Cane was given his marching orders by English referee Wayne Barnes following a bunker review.
His tackle had seen South African star Jesse Kriel's head collide with his shoulder, with the tackle deemed to be highly dangerous.
Other decisions also seemed to go against New Zealand, including a try that was ruled out following a TMO review that showed a knock-on in the build up.
South Africa star Siya Kolisi was also fortunate to escape a red card.
New Zealand bravely fought back to make it a one-point game, but were unable to overcome the now record four-time world champions.
However, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans claimed the final was "rigged".
One fan said: "Dodgy ref & bunker! So rigged it up."
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A second said: "Rigged. Embarrassing for world rugby."
A third claimed: "Most rigged final win ever in the history of sports, congrats Wayne Barnes."
A fourth said: "Rigged referee decisions each match, yeah we hate it indeed."
Despite fan claims, there is no evidence to suggest the final was rigged.
South Africa previously beat England and France in controversial circumstances.
In their quarter-final clash against France some questioned whether Thomas Ramos' conversion should have been retaken after it was blocked by Cheslin Kolbe.
Meanwhile, ex-ref Nigel Owens labelled the decision to penalise England at the scrum in the final minutes as "very, very debatable".