New Zealand 11 South Africa 12: Springboks WIN controversial Rugby World Cup final against 14-man All Blacks

SOUTH AFRICA retained their Rugby World Cup crown after beating New Zealand 12-11.

The Springboks had a man advantage for the majority of the match following the red card to All Blacks captain Sam Cane.

ReutersScott Barrett’s try gave New Zealand hope of an unlikely win[/caption]

ITVSam Cane was sent off for a high tackle[/caption]

PAAndre Pollard scored the points to win South Africa the game[/caption]

EPAAaron Smith thought he had scored a try in his final New Zealand appearance but it was disallowed[/caption]

New Zealand had Shannon Frizell yellow carded after just two minutes and South Africa took advantage as they went into half-time leading 12-6.

However the All Blacks came out fighting after the break and seized the initiative after Springboks captain Siya Kolisi was yellow carded for a high tackle of his own.

As New Zealand piled on the pressure a brilliant run from Richie Mo’unga set up scrum-half Aaron Smith to cross the line for the first try of the match.

But it was disallowed following a knock-on by stand-in captain Ardie Savea in the build-up.

Kolisi then returned to the fold but the Kiwis did not lose heart and scored Jordy Barrett touched down moments later.

Barrett had the chance to become a hero with just minutes to spare but he fired a penalty wide from distance.

South Africa held on despite Cheslin Kolbe being sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on to claim a famous victory.