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New Zealand were shown the first-ever red card in a Rugby World Cup final as they were beat 12-11 by South Africa.
The showdown at the Stade de France got off to the worst possible start for the All Blacks, who found themselves down to 14 men after just two minutes in Paris. Shannon Frizell was sin binned for rolling over onto the leg of Mbongeni Mbonambi, who had to be replaced by Deon Fourie.
A lengthy bunker review followed but Frizell ultimately avoided a red card, returning to the pitch with the Springboks leading 6-0. But captain Sam Cane wasn't afforded the same mercy for his high tackle on Jesse Kriel later on in the first half.
READ MORE: South Africa hardman banned for flying headbutt on New Zealander as boos rained down
READ MORE: 'Worst ref decision ever' ignited 20-man brawl in New Zealand vs South Africa
England's rugby team will be aiming for glory in France, with Umbro supplying their kits for the tournament. It is the first time that the supplier have been handed the chance to produce the kits, with a traditional white home shirt emblazoned with the iconic red rose.
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Cane wrote his name into the history books with an unwanted record as a result. He was initially given a yellow by referee Wayne Barnes, but it was upgraded to a red minutes out from the break.
The decision proved controversial with fans and divided opinion. Former England captain Martin Johnson felt it was the wrong call.
Was a yellow fair or should it have been a red? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, he argued: "These things happen. I was a tall guy, he is running into you as much as the other way round. It is high and only a yellow card for me."
Ex-New Zealand fly-half Andrew Mehrtens admitted: "I thought there were mitigating factors, but when you see it in slow motion it is a red. In real speed there is not a lot different that Sam Cane could have done."
South Africa headed into the break ahead 12-6 courtesy of four Handre Pollard penalties, with no team in history coming back from behind at half-time to win a World Cup final.
They themselves were reduced to 14 early on in the second half however when their skipper Siya Kolisi was sin binned for a high tackle deemed less serious than Cane's.
But despite Beauden Barrett getting over the line for New Zealand and Cheslin Kolbe missing the final eight minutes for a deliberate knock-on, the Springboks held on to claim a record fourth World Cup triumph.
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- Rugby World Cup
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