In a stunning display of skill and resilience, the New Zealand All Blacks secured third place at the Rugby World Cup in France, losing 36-25 to South African Springboks in the third‑place decider on Friday, 25 October 2023. The match, played before a crowd of 36,892 at the Stade Pierre‑Bourdieu, was a fitting finale to a campaign that saw the All Blacks confirm themselves as a perennial global powerhouse.
Match Highlights
The Springboks opened the scoring with a quick try by winger Ruan Defok, converted by JJ Braa for an early 7-0 lead. New Zealand responded when centre Virimi Vakatawa shredded a lineout, scoring a fly‑half powered try after a penalty kick that brought them level at 10-10. South Africa pressed on, with a drop goal from JK Smith turning a 10-13 advantage into 13-15. The Reds then extended the margin when half‑back Dan Knight broke the rail to secure a long‑range penalty, widening the gap to 20-15 at half‑time.
In the second half, New Zealand countered with a 22‑m passing run, culminating in a try by Rieko Ioane. A successful conversion trimmed the deficit to 25-23, but the Springboks poured four more points into the New Zealand defence in the final 12 minutes. A high tackle by All Blacks forward Toko Eru resulted in a red card for the receiving side, as the field remained under cleaning thereafter.
Reactions
After the game, South Africa’s captain Siya Nongqayi praised his team, “We went into this knowing the stakes. The competitive spirit here was huge.” He added, “We came together and executed our game plan.”
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson acknowledged his side’s determination: “We played with great heart, but the opposition’s composure and experience kept them ahead. Every forward worked hard, and our backs were as fast as ever.” He vowed, however, that the loss would be used as a learning opportunity ahead of the 2025 Rugby Championship.
Statistical Snapshot
- New Zealand: 5 tries, 6 conversions, 3 penalty kicks (24 points)
- South Africa: 3 tries, 5 conversions, 5 penalty kicks (36 points)
- Fouls: 12 for New Zealand, 10 for South Africa
- Lineout success: 42% (NZ) vs 55% (SA)
- Penalties awarded: 8 (NZ) vs 9 (SA)
Key contributors for the All Blacks included captain Sam Williamson, who scored a try and added 10 meters in try‑line carries, and flanker Ignacio Zamorilla, who embodied the classic New Zealand forward—tying 308 meters on ball‑carrying and 15 tackles. South Africa relied heavily on front‑row veteran Boshiet Van Rooyen, who carried the ball 190 meters and laid down 26 effective tackles.
What It Means for 2025
Finishing third will carry significant implications for the All Blacks’ preparations for the 2025 Rugby Championship. The coaching staff will re‑evaluate set‑piece tactics and defensive structures, especially their response to high‑tempo opposition runs. In the United States, the Rugby Football Union has announced, after the World Cup, a new “development league” aimed at producing depth for the national squad, giving the All Blacks a broader selection base for 2025.
The All Blacks will begin their 2025 season with a test series in Japan in late May, followed by a home clash against Australia on July 12 in the lead‑up to the Rugby Championship. The Springboks, renown for their physical dominance, will contest two home tests against New Zealand in Jerusalem and Harbour City later in the year, as a part of the Southern Hemisphere’s full‑round schedule.
Expert Insight
According to experts at Reuters Sports, the physicality displayed by the Springboks underscored an emerging trend of taller, heavier forwards in international rugby. The All Blacks’ ability to adapt to this style will be indicative of their competitive edge in 2025.
Globally Pulse Sports will continue to track the All Blacks’ trajectory, providing in‑depth analysis and commentary as the team gears up for the next cycle of the World Cup, the Champions Cup, and the evolving global rugby calendar.
Read more on Globally Pulse Sports for future updates on international rugby.
