They won the quarterfinals by just one point, the semifinals by another and again by one point they won the decisive match this Saturday. South Africa beat New Zealand (11-12) and revalidates her title as rugby world champion. She achieves this with a team that has grown in each tie, that has been imposing itself in an agonizing but unstoppable way over France, England and, finally, los All Blacks.
The two best teams in the southern hemisphere came out tonight, willing to avoid risks. His priority, to get the ball as soon as possible, with his foot, to the opposite field. From the exchange of kicks to the exchange of setbacks. New Zealand was left behind for ten minutes due to the expulsion of Frizell and South Africa lost its heel due to injury MBonambi.
The opening didn’t take long Pollard in leaving his mark. He scored the first shot on goal (0-3, min. 2) to give his teammates peace of mind. The defense, very high, of the Springboks left the players without the ball or without spaces All Blacks, Their attack made them retreat, their dominance translated into points (Pollard 0-6, min. 12).
New Zealand had been the most dangerous team in the previous matches when entering the rival 22. In his first foray this Saturday he came close to trying but settled for the shot with sticks. Mountain (3-6, min. 17). It took Pollard a minute to respond with his telescopic leg (3-9, min. 18).
New Zealand also appeared almost infallible in their throw-in and did not live up to expectations at the start. He was also penalized by his indiscipline. Your captain, Cane, he was gone for ten minutes for hitting a rival’s face with his head during a tackle. And the referee bunker made the exclusion final after reviewing the play. The All Blacks They were left with fourteen for the rest of the final.