On Sunday morning in Paris, the All Blacks will play South Africa for the 2023 Rugby World Cup title — and if New Zealand's class of 2023 can beat their fiercest rivals, they will be the most Pasifika-influenced world champion side ever.
The winner will take the outright lead in tournament triumphs, having shared six of the previous nine victories between them.
Blindside flanker Shannon Frizell and replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho were both born and raised in Tonga before beginning their professional careers in New Zealand, while Richie Mo'unga has roots in both Polynesian islands. The All Blacks won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 with sons of Samoa La'auli Savae Sir Michael Jones and Joe Stanley both key to their success.
Lomu is still eighth on the All Blacks' top try-scoring list, but even more impressively, he directly inspired the careers of six more Pasifika players who joined him in the top 10. Samoans Ma'a Nonu, Jerome Kaino and Keven Mealamu also started the final while Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito and Sonny Bill Williams came off the bench.When the Springboks and All Blacks meet in the Rugby World Cup final, the sport's biggest rivals will write another chapter in rugby's most storied grudge match.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Live updates: Rugby World Cup final: South Africa Springboks vs New Zealand All BlacksThe biggest rivalry in rugby comes to a head as New Zealand's All Blacks meet the Springboks of South Africa in a Rugby World Cup final for the second time. Follow all the action in our live blog.
Read more »
Rugby World Cup 2023 LIVE: Final showdown between All Blacks and SpringboksOne of the greatest rivalries in world rugby takes centre stage at the Stade de France as New Zealand and South Africa battle for the game’s ultimate prize.
Read more »
Rugby World Cup 2023 LIVE: Final showdown between All Blacks and SpringboksOne of the greatest rivalries in world rugby takes centre stage at the Stade de France as New Zealand and South Africa battle for the game’s ultimate prize.
Read more »
Why NZ Rugby bosses might fear World Cup victory speech from All Blacks coachIn March, an angry Ian Foster learned he would be replaced as All Blacks coach from 2024 by a rising superstar. On Sunday, he could walk away with a World Cup win in his last game.
Read more »
Why NZ Rugby bosses might fear World Cup victory speech from All Blacks coachIn March, an angry Ian Foster learned he would be replaced as All Blacks coach from 2024 by a rising superstar. On Sunday, he could walk away with a World Cup win in his last game.
Read more »