A sensational six weeks of rugby draws to a close in Paris on Saturday as the Rugby World Cup final is staged. New Zealand and South Africa will collide in the showpiece event for the second time in history, with the Springboks landing victory in the previous final showdown between the nations in 1995.
New Zealand vs. South AfricaPicks
Pick: New Zealand (-130)
But can the All Blacks gain revenge in their pursuit of a record-setting fourth title? You can find the latest Rugby World Cup betting odds and our New Zealand vs South Africa prediction here.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Information
New Zealand vs South Africa
Location of the Game: Stade de France, Paris, France.
Date and Time: Saturday, October 28. 3:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: Peacock
Recent Scores
- Before making a New Zealand vs South Africa prediction, it is worth examining the head-to-head record. The Springboks landed victory in the only previous meeting between the sides in the World Cup final in 1995, but the All Blacks shade the overall record having won 62 of the 105 tests.
- Meanwhile, New Zealand have won the last three meetings against South Africa at the World Cup, including a 23-13 win at the 2019 tournament in Japan.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Betting Analysis
New Zealand Preview
There is a feeling that New Zealand have been building momentum for this moment as the All Blacks go in search of a third World Cup honor in four editions of the tournament.
The nation finished second in Pool A after they were defeated in the opening match by France. However, they recovered from that defeat by winning their following three group-stage matches before knocking out Ireland in the quarterfinals.
The All Blacks stepped up their performance levels once again in the semi-finals, as they scored a stunning seven tries in a 44-6 success against Argentina. Will Jordan was the standout star in that win, as he scored a hat-trick.
The Rugby World Cup stats show that the All Blacks have dominated the previous editions of the World Cup, and they should come into the showpiece event much fresher than their rivals.
80 in 80 | Our first ever Rugby World Cup title win 🤯#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/ORoC326wBq
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 25, 2023
South Africa Preview
South Africa ranked among the popular Rugby World Cup picks before the tournament as they look to win their second straight honor. The Springboks have reached the final in two of the previous four editions, and they will be looking to emulate their World Cup success that was achieved at the Stade de France in 2007.
South Africa had a more grueling route to the final, coming up against Ireland and Scotland in the group stage before eliminating France in the quarterfinals.
The Springboks rode their luck in last weekend’s semi-final against England, as they were within two minutes of exiting the tournament before Handre Pollard scored the dramatic winning penalty in the closing stages. But it will be fascinating to see the fitness levels of the Springboks after their exertions throughout the tournament to this point.
“We are playing for a lot more than the Webb Ellis Cup” – more here: https://t.co/4MTn8XMJnD 🙌#Springboks #StrongerTogether #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/HXfVPuHblw
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 26, 2023
Updates
- Bongi Mbonambi has been named in South Africa’s team after the ruling deemed that there was insufficient evidence following claims made by Tom Curry.
- Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard have also been named in the South African 15. The All Blacks have no fresh injury issues ahead of Saturday.
All Blacks vs. Springboks Betting Preview
- Moneyline: New Zealand are the narrow -130 favorite on the moneyline this weekend, with the Springboks priced up at +130. The draw is also priced up at a lucrative +2000.
- Spread: The All Blacks are +100 to cover the (-2) spread.
New Zealand vs. South Africa Betting Prediction
Memories of Nelson Mandela handing over the World Cup to South Africa in 1995 will be flooding back for the Springboks ahead of this showdown on Saturday, while South Africa will also take confidence after inflicting New Zealand’s heaviest-ever defeat in August.
However, we will be siding with the All Blacks for our New Zealand vs South Africa prediction, as they have made a less testing route to the final, and they are a team that knows how to get over the line when they reach this stage of the competition.
- Pick: New Zealand (-130)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.
