Topic summary
2007 Rugby World Cup final
(South Africa)
The 2007 Rugby World Cup final was a rugby union match, played on Saturday, 20 October 2007 at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris, to determine the winner of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. South Africa beat England 15–6. Having also won the 1995 tournament, South Africa became the second country to win two World Cups.
England and South Africa, who won their semi-finals against France and Argentina respectively, had met during the pool stage of the competition, when South Africa won 36–0. South Africa began the final undefeated in the competition. The final was refereed by Irish referee Alain Rolland.
Neither team scored a try in the final. South Africa scored five penalties – four by fullbackPercy Montgomery and one by centreFrançois Steyn – and England two penalties, both by fly-halfJonny Wilkinson. Each team had one major try-scoring opportunity; South Africa's came late in the first half, while England's came early in the second. England wingMark Cueto had a try disallowed in the 42nd minute after he was ruled to have put a foot in touch during a tackle by Danie Rossouw before grounding the ball.