New Zealand, the reigning champions, beat South Africa over the weekend to reach their second straight World Cup final. New Zealand is now only one win away from becoming the first team in rugby union history to successfully defend a world cup title.
South Africa played an exception match, despite the weather conditions, but it proved to not be enough to take down their southern-hemisphere counterparts. The final score resulted in a 20-18 score in favor of New Zealand.
Although they have been ranked as the number one team in the world, early on the All Blacks played nothing like that of a champion. The Springboks were consistently able to breakdown any fierce scrap New Zealand provided. New Zealand trailed by five points at halftime and a man down to follow.
However, the All Blacks responded in the second half and it was clear that the game changed. By the time Jerome Kaino returned, Daniel Carter had reduced the deficit to two points with a 40-metre drop goal and a key substitution had been made.
The All Blacks entered the final quarter with a 20-15 lead. As the rain poured down from the sky, New Zealand proved to have just enough in the tank to turn the lights out on the Springboks World Cup campaign.
South Africa was able to redeem themselves and provide great competition, after beginning the tournament in the worst way possible against Japan. Although both defeats ended with a two-point defeat, they can at least walk away from the loss to New Zealand was honour. The Springboks left nothing behind, playing a ruthless match for its entirety.
As for New Zealand, they move on to the final match against Australia for the right to be crowned champions. While the All Blacks entered the tournament as strong favorites to claim back-to-back world titles, Australia appears ready to prevent the All Blacks from achieving such a feat. The match will take place at Twickenham Stadium, London on Saturday, October 31.