Rugby World Cup final: Whitelock-Etzebeth, Cane-Kolisi, Jordan-Kolbe, three decisive duels

2023-10-28 14:13:52

A clash of titans in the Rugby World Cup final. Two teams who know each other by heart, two teams who beat their opponent once this summer, two teams who are aiming for a fourth world title. This Saturday, South African and New Zealander compete for world glory. And to achieve this, they are counting on their soldiers, those who have taken them to this stage of the competition. Everywhere on the field, the duels will be tough, the battle fierce. We’ve spotted three, and they could be decisive.

Cane vs Kolisi, the clash of captains

The two leaders have very different statuses in their countries. While Siya Kolisi is an icon of South African rugby, the symbol of a team united in its diversity, Sam Cane is much less unanimous in New Zealand. His inability to shine in major events had even pushed Irishman Peter O’Mahony to describe him as “shit Richie McCaw”. Former England international Stuart Barnes felt that the third row was “not good enough to join the Italian XV”.

But since the start of this World Cup, the Chiefs flanker has silenced his detractors. Brilliant defensively against England and, above all, against Ireland, a match in which he finished as the best tackler (22), Sam Cane silenced the critics and fully assumed his role as captain. The power of Siya Kolisi, his opponent in the third row, could however hurt him very much. Released at the very start of the second half in the quarter and half, the new Racing 92 player, whose preparation was disrupted by a knee injury, is ready to fight. The defensive duel risks being particularly muscular.

Jordan vs Kolbe, the clash of scorers

To try to escape these formidable defenders, you need two exceptional attackers. Will Jordan and Cheslin Kolbe are of this caliber. The New Zealander is also the best try scorer in this World Cup with eight goals, the equivalent of the World Cup record co-held by Julian Savea (2015), Bryan Habana (2007) and Jonah Lomu ( 1999). His hat-trick against Argentina in the semi-final was a reminder that he is an incredible finisher, even if he is less involved in creating his team’s play than his alter ego Mark Tele’a on the other wing.

Opposite, Cheslin Kolbe has been more discreet since September 8. Author of an exceptional try during the 2019 final, he still scored two tries, one against the Blues, one against the Irish, but above all proved decisive by blocking the transformation of Thomas Ramos, who could have offered qualifying for the French. The former Stade Toulouse and Toulon player can always count on his supersonic support and his ability to eliminate his direct opponent. “Every player looks for the big moments when he represents his country. It’s always an honor and a privilege,” he said before facing the Blues. This final is one of ours, and he will surely want to add his touch to it.

Whitelock vs Etzebeth, the clash of the centenarians

Between them, Sam Whitelock and Eben Etzebeth have 269 caps. Colossal. The first is also the record holder for the number of selections with the All Blacks (153 selections). The second must for the moment be content with third place among the Springboks (118 selections), even if Victor Matfield’s record (127 selections) is hanging by a thread. Their experience therefore no longer needs to be proven. Both were starters when their teams won the world title, in 2011 and 2015 for New Zealand, in 2019 for South Africa.

This experience should benefit both men and their teammates. Respected and listened to in the locker room, the two 2.03 m colossi are leaders vocally but also by example. “Playing with him is great, but seeing him train so hard every day is even more impressive,” said Brodie Retallick about his teammate Sam Whitelock. Substitute this Saturday evening, he proved against Ireland that he could be decisive even coming off the bench, snatching the ball from the delivery in a ruck to kill the last chance offensive of the XV of Clover.

If the New Zealander has not disappointed since the start of the World Cup, what can we say about Eben Etzebeth? “He’s THE player of the World Cup,” Fabien Pelous said in an interview with AFP. Against Ireland, he was monstrous. Against the Blues, he is everywhere on the pitch. » He will still be essential during this final even if he left prematurely in the semi-final against England.