What Is 2019 Rugby World Cup Final

Overview

The 2019 Rugby World Cup Final marked a historic moment in international rugby, becoming the first time the tournament was hosted in Asia. South Africa emerged victorious over England with a decisive 32–12 win, securing their third championship and tying New Zealand for the most titles won.

The final was notable for its disciplined, tactical approach by South Africa, emphasizing territory and kicking, which contrasted with England’s more expansive style. Played in front of over 70,000 fans in Yokohama, the match concluded a six-week tournament featuring 20 national teams from around the globe.

• South Africa’s 32–12 victory marked their first World Cup win since 2007 and made them the first team to win the title after losing a pool match.
• The final was held on November 2, 2019, at International Stadium Yokohama, which has a seating capacity of 72,321 and hosted several key matches during the tournament.
• Handré Pollard was the top scorer in the final, contributing 22 points through six penalties and two conversions, setting a record for most points by a fly-half in a final.
• England entered the final as favorites after a dominant 19–7 win over defending champions New Zealand in the semifinals, their first victory over the All Blacks since 2003.
• South Africa became the first team to win the Rugby World Cup three times (1995, 2007, 2019), matching New Zealand’s tally and becoming joint record holders.

How It Works

The structure of the Rugby World Cup involves a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final to determine the world champion. Each match follows standard rugby union rules, with 80 minutes of play divided into two 40-minute halves.

• Format: The tournament features 20 teams divided into four pools of five; the top two from each pool advance to the quarterfinals, leading to semifinals and the final.
• Scoring: Teams earn points via tries (5 points), conversions (2 points), penalties (3 points), and drop goals (3 points); the team with the most points at the end wins.
• Knockout Rules: If a knockout match is tied after 80 minutes, 20 minutes of extra time is played; if still tied, a 10-minute sudden-death period determines the winner.
• Refereeing: Matches are overseen by a head referee and two assistant referees, with access to the Television Match Official (TMO) for critical decision reviews.
• Player Eligibility: Players must meet World Rugby’s eligibility rules, including a three-year residency requirement or birthright to qualify for a national team.
• Host Selection: Host nations are selected through a bidding process by World Rugby, with Japan winning the right to host the 2019 edition in 2009.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 final teams across key performance metrics from the tournament and final match:

South Africa’s dominance in territory and goal-kicking proved decisive, especially compared to England’s higher try count but lower efficiency in the final. Their strategic kicking game and forward power neutralized England’s dynamic backline, showcasing how tactical discipline can outweigh flair in high-pressure matches.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Rugby World Cup Final had lasting implications for global rugby, influencing team strategies, player development, and the sport’s popularity in emerging nations. South Africa’s victory also carried symbolic weight, uniting a diverse nation under a shared national identity.

• Historic Achievement: South Africa became the first team to win the World Cup after losing a pool match, having lost to New Zealand during the group stage.
• Global Expansion: Hosting in Japan marked a major step in World Rugby’s mission to grow the sport in non-traditional markets across Asia.
• Player Impact: Flanker Siya Kolisi became the first Black captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, symbolizing progress in post-apartheid South Africa.
• Strategic Shift: The final reinforced the effectiveness of a territory-based, kicking-heavy game plan in high-stakes matches.
• Attendance Records: Over 1.7 million fans attended matches during the tournament, setting a new attendance benchmark for a World Cup hosted outside traditional rugby nations.
• Legacy: The success of the 2019 tournament led to increased investment in rugby infrastructure in Japan and across Asia.

The 2019 final not only crowned a champion but also signaled a shift in rugby’s global landscape, proving that excellence and unity can emerge from diverse backgrounds and non-traditional strongholds.