South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is tackled by New Zealand's Will Jordan during the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
Old rugby adversaries New Zealand and South Africa faced off in a tense final at the Rugby World Cup final in France on Sunday morning (NZ time).
RNZ has collated images documenting the biggest day of the year for rugby fans in New Zealand and South Africa:
Supporters of both teams were out in force in France ahead of the kick-off.
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Photo: RNZ / Joe Porter
Here in New Zealand, fans were also showing their support - even as some of them prepared to undertake sporting achievements of their own.
Springbok fan Neil Rossouw channels Faf de Klerk as he prepares to run the full Auckland Marathon. Photo: RNZ / Rhonwyn Newson
Wendy Smit was also running the half marathon in Auckland - raising funds for Starship along the way, with her sidekick Volley the teddy bear. Photo: RNZ / Rhonwyn Newson
As were Springbok-supporter siblings Rhonwyn, Kristen and Jared. Photo: RNZ / Rhonwyn Newson
In Christchurch, Claire Shoko, Rudo Tagwireyi and Caleb Vercoe enjoyed the build-up to the game at No.4 restaurant and bar. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
As kick-off approached, fans settled in to watch around the world.
Fans began arriving at Eden Park in Auckland early to watch the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, being played at Stade de France in Paris. Photo: RNZ / Symone Tafuna'i
A Springboks supporter in the stands at Stade de France. Photo: Photosport / Andrew Cornaga
An All Blacks supporter in the stands at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Things were tense as the game got underway.
The All Blacks perform the haka before the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Early nerves at the Pioneer Tavern in Waipapa, Northland, as the All Blacks take on the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup final in France. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
All Black supporters watch the match at the Green Man Pub in Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston
All Black Jordie Barrett in action during the Rugby World Cup final between the New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
And then they took a turn New Zealand fans did not want to see.
Referee Wayne Barnes shows a red card to New Zealand captain Sam Cane. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
All Blacks fan Sophia Thomas, watching the match at the Pioneer Tavern in Waipapa, reacts with disbelief as Sam Cane's yellow card is upgraded to red. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
A dejected Sam Cane after being given a red card. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
There was more heartbreak to come, as a try by Richie Mo'unga was disallowed.
Massive cheers at the Green Man Pub in Wellington as Richie Mo'unga crosses the line. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston
But New Zealand fans' spirits were restored as Beauden Barrett scored a short time later.
New Zealand's Beauden Barrett scores a try during the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Celebrations at the Homestead Sports Bar in Kerikeri as the All Blacks finally have a try allowed. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Celebrations at the Green Man Pub in Wellington as Beauden Barrett scores for the All Blacks. Photo: RNZ / Jemima Huston
As the second half wore on and the Springboks' early lead narrowed, there were more tense scenes.
Fans watch the match on a big screen in central Auckland's Victoria Park. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa Almeida
South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is tackled by New Zealand's Will Jordan. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
All Blacks fans in Christchurch were on edge at No. 4 restaurant and bar as the Rugby World Cup final entered its final stanzas. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
New Zealand's fly-half Richie Mo'unga kicks the ball but fails to convert a try. Photo: Miguel Medina / AFP
Fans fill the stands at Eden Park in Auckland to watch the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand at Stade de France. Photo: RNZ / Sigrid Yiakmis
South Africa's full-back Damian Willemse is tackled during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
New Zealand's scrum-half Aaron Smith reacts during the Rugby World Cup final. Photo: AFP / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
But the game ultimately did not go the All Blacks' way, with the Springboks regaining the championship title in a 12-11 victory.
South Africa's flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (C) kisses the Webb Ellis Cup as he celebrates the Springboks' win. Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
A dejected Rieko Ioane after the All Blacks loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi (C) celebrates with teammates South Africa's prop Ox Nche (L) and South Africa's prop Trevor Nyakane (R) after the Springboks' victory in France. Photo: ANTONIN THUILLIER
New Zealand's Tamaiti Williams reacts after South Africa win the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Photo: AFP / MIGUEL MEDINA
All Blacks fans at Christchurch's No. 4 bar and restaurant react after the final whistle. Photo: RNZ / Adam Burns
Esa, the daughter of South Africa's hooker Bongi Mbonambi, raises the Webb Ellis Cup in the air as she is carried by her father after the Springboks won the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Emmanuel Dunand / AFP
All Blacks fans at the Homestead Sports Bar in Kerikeri react to the score as the full-time whistle sounds. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
The South Africans celebrate their victory over New Zealand in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Matthieu Mirville / DPPI via AFP
And then there is this:
Faf de Klerk's speedo celebrations at the 2019 and 2023 celebrations, as shared by World Rugby. Photo: Supplied / Twitter @rugbyworldcup