Rugby World Cup: Springboks win record fourth trophy in dramatic final
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Siya Kolisi becomes the first man to lift back-to-back Rugby World Cups away from home
South Africa clinched a record fourth Rugby World Cup title by doing just enough to deny 14-man New Zealand and retain their crown in a hard fought final in Paris.
The All Blacks captain Sam Cane became the first male player to be sent off in a World Cup final after he was shown a red card for a high tackle in the 27th minute.
Despite playing the majority of the game with 14 men, New Zealand dominated large portions of the second half and missed two opportunities to take the lead in the closing stages.
A missed conversion by Richie Mo'unga and a late penalty by Jordie Barrett ensured the Springboks held on to their one-point lead, winning 12-11.
Their latest victory means the Springboks have won half of the eight tournaments they have taken part in - and are now the undeniable dominant force in World Cup history.
Siya Kolisi celebrates
Siya Kolisi becomes the second captain to retain the trophy after Richie McCaw's All Blacks won in 2011 and 2015.
"People not from South Africa don't understand what it means for our country," Kolisi told the 大象传媒.
"It is not just about the game. Our country goes through such a lot. We are just grateful that we can be here. I want to tell the people of South Africa 'thank you so much'.
"I am grateful for this team. I am so proud of it."
Beauden Barrett's try revived a contest that seemed set to run away from the All Blacks
With the Stade de France ringing to the sound of a full-throttle haka - New Zealand's traditional Maori war dance - the two teams tore into each other from the off.
Both teams pushed for a decisive score in an enthralling final quarter, but neither found one, with Jordie Barrett missing a long-range 73rd-minute penalty and the Springboks clinging on for a third successive one-point victory in the knockout stages.
After similarly narrow victories over France in the quarter-finals and England in the semi-finals, South Africa have walked the hardest, narrowest route to the trophy.
Pollard (right) who scored all of South Africa's points to clinch the Webb Ellis trophy, was only called into the squad as a replacement
England's 2003 World Cup winner Matt Dawson said: "I think we have witnessed the greatest ever rugby side. What they have done in this tournament is simply remarkable - the way they have come through their group and the knockouts.
"I don't think it will ever be surpassed, and [it has] all [been] achieved with the target of current world champions on their back."