The ultimate Rugby World Cup final. That's the promise.

Saturday's 106th showdown between gigantic rivals New Zealand and South Africa has elevated rugby's biggest game -- if that was at all possible -- to a potential do-you-remember-where-you-were moment for everyone who follows the sport, young or old, from New Zealand, South Africa or elsewhere.

Through 102 years of games in a duel that's remained rugby's most ferocious even when there's no silverware at stake, the All Blacks and the Springboks have met head-on just once in a World Cup final before.

While that 1995 title decider provided a momentous day for a newly democratic South Africa, the reality is it didn't have the sheer rugby significance and context that this final at Stade de France in Paris has.

Rugby history will be made on Saturday, no matter what, with one of the World Cup's joint-most successful teams winning a record fourth title, a massive extra motivator in a contest that never, ever needs one.

Either South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber or New Zealand coach Ian Foster, both departing after the World Cup, will leave behind a magnificent legacy.

New Zealand's Sam Whitelock could become the first man to win three trophies to add to his All Blacks appearance record. Siya Kolisi, South Africa's first Black captain and a trailblazer for his country, is likely playing his last World Cup game and hoping to be only the second skipper to lead a team to back-to-back World Cup victories -- after New Zealand great Richie McCaw.

And above it all, defending champion and No. 1-ranked South Africa plays No. 2-ranked New Zealand, ensuring a final of epic proportions anyway is also, officially, a meeting of the two best teams in the world.

"This is a way to make history," New Zealand flyhalf Richie Mo'unga said. "I want to be part of history. I want to bring the World Cup home. Whatever happens after that I don't really care.

"I'm sure a lot of the other boys are like that, too. Saturday night, 9 o'clock, is where it's at."

New Zealand has the historic head-to-head superiority and has also won the last three of their five Rugby World Cup meetings. South Africa has won all three finals it has played in. The six games between them since rugby returned properly after the COVID-19 pandemic have been shared 3-3.

The match kickoffs at 21:00 CAT, Saturday 28 October 2023

South Africa have won the battle of the titans

South Africa are world rugby champions once again, retaining their 2019 title to win the 2023 World Cup final by the finest of margins at the Stade de France. Sealing a close-run 12-11 victory over bitter rivals New Zealand, the Springboks survived a second-half onslaught that saw them twice go down to 14 players and concede the game's only try.

TMKsouth:
South Africa have won the battle of the titans

South Africa are world rugby champions once again, retaining their 2019 title to win the 2023 World Cup final by the finest of margins at the Stade de France. Sealing a close-run 12-11 victory over bitter rivals New Zealand, the Springboks survived a second-half onslaught that saw them twice go down to 14 players and concede the game's only try.

Lekkerding...God is South african

We are now to rugby what Brazil was to football

Welldone South Africa....world champion!

MduZA:


Lekkerding...God is South african

😂😂😂😎🇿🇦🏆

KingCold:
We are now to rugby what Brazil was to football

😎😎😎🇿🇦🇧🇷

AutoC:
Welldone South Africa....world champion!

Thanks you!

It's crazy. I didn't have the guts to watch the match yesternight. My heart was up my mouth until this morning which I checked the scoreline. Bravo S.A are champions again. It's been very dramatic since the quarter final with France 28:29, Semifinal with England 15:16 and then New Zealand 11:12. Astonishing!

Zxcvbnmghtr:
It's crazy. I didn't have the guts to watch the match yesternight. My heart was up my mouth until this morning which I checked the scoreline. Bravo S.A are champions again. It's been very dramatic since the quarter final with France 28:29, Semifinal with England 15:16 and then New Zealand 11:12. Astonishing!

That match needed nerves of steel. It was hectic!

TMKsouth:


That match needed nerves of steel. It was hectic!

It's a worthy final. Could have gone either side but am so glad S.A won.

Last night felt like we were celebrating the new year... Even some of us who don't watch rugby we were there watching...

We celebrated until about 4am.

Samantha124:
Last night felt like we were celebrating the new year... Even some of us who don't watch rugby we were there watching...

We celebrated until about 4am.

Shem. You have to come to nairaland forum to celebrate the Boks.

Shame.

MduZA:


Lekkerding...God is South african

Blasphemy!

Sepukku:


Blasphemy!