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☆ The Olympics Has a Bad Guy: Anyone in an Argentina Jersey
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Rory Smith | James Wagner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Olympic Games have long been governed by a tacit code: If fans can’t say anything nice, they shouldn’t say anything at all. As far as the French are concerned, though, there appears to be one exception: anyone wearing the sky blue and white of Argentina. In the opening few days of the Paris Games, Argentina was booed before, during and after a men’s soccer game in Marseille. It was heartily booed for three days straight every time its men’s rugby sevens team appeared at a packed Stade de France. And it was booed again whenever one of those rugby players had the temerity to touch the ball.

Persons: ”, Thomas Bach Organizations: Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee, Paris Games, rugby, Stade de France, South Paris Arena Locations: Argentina, Marseille, Stade

☆ She couldn’t stop thinking about the guy she met at the Athens Olympics. Then a message from him changed her life
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +26 min

So I thought, ‘Let me see if I can go to the Athens Olympics. An unexpected opportunityOmaira got to watch the final dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games on August 13, 2004. And then Omaira was off to work at the shooting center, where the Games’ shooting events were held. But while Omaira was cultivating a pretty heady crush, Dimitris didn’t really have time to engage with his potential feelings. Omaira GillThis year marks 20 years since Omaira and Dimitris crossed paths at the Athens Olympics.

Persons: CNN — Omaira Gill, ” Omaira, ‘ I’m, ’, –, Omaira, ’ ”, … ’, “, ”, Omaira didn’t, “ I’d, David Gray MD, she’d, ’ Omaira Gill, Dimitris Athanasiou, Dimitris, ‘, they’re, ” Dimitris, ” Dimitris ’, hadn’t, Dimitris who’d, he’d, Dimtiris, Dimitris didn’t, Dimitris quizzed, “ Will, She’d, I’m, … ’ ”, couldn’t, didn’t, “ You’ve, Dimitris ’, that’s, we’d, Omaira Gill, Paulo Coelho, “ Omaira, ” Here's Dimitris, Omaira Gill Omaira, Hermes, Dimitiris, Hector, Orion, they’ll, “ Hermes, We’re, Dimitris – Organizations: CNN, Olympic, CNN Travel, Athens, “, ‘ Volunteers, Uni, Reuters, Olympics, Olympic Games, Paralympic, MSN, Omaira, ”, Athens Olympics, Stade de France, Disneyland Locations: Athens, Greece, Birmingham, United Kingdom, London, inbox, Omaira, Pakistan, India, Paris, Disneyland Paris, Europe

☆ The Olympics will challenge mobile-network providers to satiate 15 million attendees' hunger for internet connectivity
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Chris Stokel-Walker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Olympics will challenge wireless providers as 15 million people seek internet access at once. To meet that expectation, telecommunications companies must bolster Paris' 5G network, the technology system that powers users' mobile-internet access. Harnessing private 5G infrastructureOrange is installing cellphone antennas on boats and extension units in sporting venues to bolster its 5G network. It uses 5G's network-splicing capabilities to reserve a part of the public 5G network for private use. To support the 2024 Olympics' connectivity needs, network providers must prepare to rely on 5G's strength.

Persons: —, they'll, Bertrand Rojat, Rojat, wouldn't, Stephen Giles, Giles, Katherine Ainley, Leila Jordan Organizations: Service, Olympic Games, KT Corp, Olympic, Broadcasters, Prix, UEFA European Football, Stade de France, Rugby, Cisco, NTT Data, International Olympic Committee, Ericsson Locations: Paris, South Korea, Tokyo, France, Orange, French, Ireland

☆ France’s forgotten athletes: As the world tunes in to the Olympics, many of Paris’ poorer suburbs see little benefit
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Emily Blumenthal | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

But if you walk a short distance away from the sparkling Stade de France, which is about six miles from downtown Paris, you’ll find a very different world. The Stade de France will host track and field events and Rugby sevens game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP/Getty ImagesWorkers prepare an information board outside Stade de France in Saint Denis on July 3. Investment fueled by the Olympics has poured into Seine-Saint-Denis to fund improved public transit, more green spaces and better-quality housing, Troussel said. Funding for track and field facilities is entirely dependent on local governments.

Persons: you’ll, Denis, Geoffroy Van Der, Pierre Crom, Stéphane Troussel, Troussel, –, Denis –, “, “ It’s, ” Stéphane, Annette Kellermann, Emmanuel Macron, Laurence Baillargeau, Kylian Mbappé, Baillargeau, ” Baillargeau, ” Troussel, There’s, Denis Émotion, ”, Sandra Ribeiro, Ribeiro, ” Ribeiro, CSME Athlétisme, Cedric Jacqué, Anna Viallard, Athlétisme, Ville, Viallard, Mallory Leconte, Mallory Leconte “, ” Leconte, ‘, ” Viallard, doesn’t, Mbappé, Baptiste Fernandez, Ait, Mouffok Organizations: CNN, Stade de France, Paris Olympics, Games, ” Regional, Olympics, Rugby, Getty Images Workers, Paris, Denis Departmental Council, Investment, Greater, Local, Real Madrid soccer, AS Bondy, Saint, Bois, CNN Sport, Parc Municipal des Sports, FFA, Team France, team, AS Bondy can’t Locations: Paris, France, Saint, Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt, AFP, Saint Denis, Seine, – Paris, Greater Paris, Île, La Courneuve, Bondy –, Montreuil, Portugal, Beijing, Aulnay, Perfe, Bondy, Épinay, Parc, Tenerife, Stade, €, CA Sevran, Ait Mouffok, CSME, London

☆ The Olympic Games face a unique set of potential security threats in Paris. Organizers say everyone will be safe
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Opening Ceremony like no-otherThe Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics is set to take place on July 26 and will be the first ever held on a river. For years, French officials had boasted that some 600,000 people would attend the Opening Ceremony, but that number has been slashed due to safety concerns. He said a “strictly controlled” zone alongside the banks of the river will be closed off before the Opening Ceremony and anyone entering into it would be checked. The Opening Ceremony will be held alongside the banks of the River Seine. The Stade de France is where track and field events and Rugby Sevens matches will take place at the Paris Olympics.

Persons: Gérald Darmanin, Darmanin, Nicolas Nordman, ”, Gonzalo Fuentes, Nordman, Denis, Dale Buckner, ” Buckner, ” Darmanin, “, Eric Chasboeuf, Thomas Padilla, “ I’ve, ” Chasboeuf, Buckner Organizations: CNN, Summer, Games, Palestinian, Atlanta Games, Reuters, Paris, Paris Mayor, Olympic, Stade de France, Rugby Sevens, Global Locations: Paris, France, Saint

☆ Paris 2024 venues: Where every sport is being held at the Olympic Games
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The Olympic Games are coming to the French capital and homes have been found for all 32 sporting disciplines. Breaking, the newest Olympic sport, will take place at La Concorde and will share the area with 3x3 basketball, skateboarding and freestyle BMX. It will become the Olympic Stadium for the duration of the Games, welcoming track and field (athletics) and rugby sevens. Olympic tennis will naturally take place here, but its centerpiece – Court Philippe Chatrier – will also play host to boxing bouts. Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty ImagesSoccer will cover the most ground of any sport at the Games, with matches being held in seven different stadiums across the country.

Persons: CNN —, Catherine Steenkeste, de Mars, Sarah Meyssonnier, Napoleon Bonaparte, Stade Roland Garros, Philippe Chatrier –, Philippe, Chatrier, Emmanuel Dunand, Germain, Sean M, Blanc Marina, Pierre Mauroy, Pont Alexandre III, Anne, Christine Poujoulat, Yves du, de, Boris Horvat, Geoffroy, Guichard, Stade, Pascal Le Segretain Organizations: CNN, Olympic Games, Aquatics Center, Nations, Eiffel, Reuters, des, Concorde, La Concorde, Chesnot, Getty, Stade de France, UEFA Champions League, Games, Southwest, Stade, Parc des Princes, Paris Saint, Paris, Marseille, Stade Vélodrome, Princes, Aquatics, Chapelle, North Paris Arena, Stade Roland, Palais, Yves du Manoir, South Paris, de Mars, La Chapelle, Nautical, Rugby, Marseille Marina Sailors, Concorde Soccer, Bordeaux, Nice, Parc de Princes Sport, Le, La, Tennis, Garros, Pont Alexandre III Volleyball, Water, Paris La Défense, Wrestling Locations: Paris, France, – Paris, Seine, Versailles, des Invalides, ”, Light, AFP, Parc des, Tahiti, Polynesia, Marseille, Blanc, Bordeaux, Saint, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, Lille, Yvelines, de Versailles, Parc, Le Bourget

☆ Copa America final kick-off delayed after fans struggle to enter stadium in Miami
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-14 | by ( Laura Williamson | Jack Lang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Follow the latest from the Copa America final between Argentina and ColombiaThe kick-off for the Copa America final was delayed after chaotic and dangerous scenes saw thousands of supporters prevented from entering Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for the game. “We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game,” it read. “We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. AdvertisementHard Rock Stadium is set to host seven matches at the 2026 World Cup including a quarterfinal and the third-place play-off.

Persons: “, — Jack Lang, Megan Briggs, Darwin Nunez, Marcelo Bielsa, Paul Tenorio, Felipe Cardenas Organizations: Copa America, 9.22pm, America, Copa, Dade Fire Rescue, The Athletic, CONMEBOL, Miami - Dade Police, Athletic, Hard Rock, ”, Security, Getty, Uruguayan, Wembley, UEFA, League, Stade de France, Liverpool Locations: Argentina, Colombia, Miami, Uruguay, Liverpool, England, Italy, Paris

☆ Opinion: We all lose if the Olympic surveillance state becomes the norm
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Opinion Jules Boykoff | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

He is the author of six books on the politics of the Olympic Games, most recently “What Are the Olympics For?” The views expressed here are his own. France enacted an Olympic Games Law in May 2023 that legalized the use of AI-driven video surveillance this summer and allowed experimentation with intelligent video surveillance until March 31, 2025. The law made France the first nation in the European Union to greenlight biometric surveillance systems. She told me that the Olympic Law “infringes the right to privacy, the right to be anonymous in the streets.”“Everything in this is political,” Levain said. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces unveiled plans to use HELMA-P, an anti-drone laser weapon system prototype, at the Paris Games.

Persons: Jules Boykoff, Emmanuel Macron, Jules Boykoff Jessi, –, ” Noémie, “, ” Levain, ”, Gérald Darmanin, we’ve, Amelie Oudea, Macron, Natsuko Sasaki, Laurent Nuñez, Le, Danielle Simonnet, Thomas Bach Organizations: Pacific University, Olympic Games, CNN, Olympic, Games, ISIS, Stade de France –, Law, European Union, Amnesty International, European Civic Forum, Human Rights, Ministry of, France’s, French Ministry of, Armed Forces, Paris Games, Stade de France, Paris Police, Le Parisien, Paris, Patriotes, Palais Royal, National Assembly, France Insoumise Party Locations: Paris, Palestinian, Atlanta, France, Le, Europe, Moscow

☆ Paris 2024: Olympic Opening Ceremony capacity slashed in half to ensure security
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Joseph Ataman | Pierre Bairin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Attendance capacity at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony – the first to be held along a river – will be halved due to security reasons, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said Tuesday in an interview with French broadcaster France 2. French officials had boasted for years that some 600,000 people would be able to attend the Opening Ceremony. Jacques Demarthon/AFP/Getty ImagesHosting the ceremony outside a traditional stadium was central to the organizers’ vision of a more inclusive Olympic Games. An “anti-terrorist security perimeter” will be put in place in the days leading up to the Opening Ceremony around the Seine, with public access limited, he added. ET) – on the evening of the Opening Ceremony to prevent any disruption to the event, Darmanin added.

Persons: Gérald Darmanin, Darmanin, Alexander, Jacques Demarthon Organizations: CNN, Paris, France, Olympic, Paralympic Games, Getty, Stade de France, Qatar Locations: Paris, AFP

ROME (AP) — The guy who won the biggest race in the Olympics now lives in relative obscurity inside a gated community in Florida. And that suits Marcell Jacobs just fine after dealing with the chaos that surrounded his every move back home in Italy. He didn’t see his dad again until a meeting was arranged when Jacobs was 13, and the relationship is still strained. But being in Florida with his wife and two kids has allowed Jacobs to reconnect with the rest of his American family and improve his English. “Because you should never forget where you came from.”___AP coverage of the Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Persons: Marcell Jacobs, Jacobs, Usain Bolt, ” Jacobs, he’s, “, Paolo Camossi, Rana Reider, ”, Andre De Grasse, Trayvon, Jerome Blake, De, Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, “ I’m, I’ve, they’ve, you’re, ” LYLES, Noah Lyles, … He’s, …, That’s Organizations: ROME, Olympics, Paris Games, Associated Press, Stade de France, AMERICAN, “, Tokyo, Paris, World Relays, Athletics Locations: Florida, Italy, Paris, Jacksonville, Tokyo, De Grasse, Japan, El Paso , Texas, American, Italian, Miami, Texas, Budapest, Boston, U.S, Bahamas, Rome, paris

☆ Olympic sponsorship deal with beer company AB InBev criticized as ‘cynical’ and ‘an odd pairing’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

In a room crowded with people in suits, the sponsorship deal with brewing giant AB InBev was met with beaming smiles and the clinking of beer bottles by many of those in attendance. AB InBev is the latest company to participate in The Olympic Partner (TOP) program – the highest level of Olympic sponsorship – alongside the likes of Coca-Cola, Visa and Deloitte. AB InBev said that it would not reveal the cost of its deal with the IOC. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for AB InBevThe IOC and AB InBev see the deal as part of a wider market demand for non-alcoholic drinks which, despite being in circulation for decades, have had a recent surge in popularity. Some brands have found ways to navigate France’s restrictive laws when it comes to alcohol advertising.

Persons: Thomas Bach gushed, ” Bach, ”, ” Andrew Misell, Kin Cheung, Sportcal, Michel Doukeris, Thomas Bach, Stuart C, Wilson, Molson Coors, ” Marcel Marcondes, “ Corona Cero, Marcondes, Bach, Garde, ” Ian Gilmore, “ Corona, ” Alex Barker, ” Barker, Xavier Laine Organizations: CNN, Olympic Committee, InBev, IOC, Corona, Cortina, Alcohol, CNN Sport, Cola, Visa, Deloitte, Health, WHO, Centers for Disease Control, University of Liverpool, ”, Getty, AB InBev, Heineken, Molson, Games, Alcohol Health Alliance, University of Derby, rugby’s, Nations, Guinness, Stade de France, French rugby, Wales, TOP Locations: London, Corona Cero, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Corona, Garde

☆ South Africa Holds Off New Zealand to Win the Rugby World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

On any given day, whichever 15 men happen to be wearing the jersey of the New Zealand All Blacks can be the most fearsome outfit known to rugby. New Zealand learned that lesson the hard way on Saturday inside the Stade de France, where the first ever red card in a Rugby World Cup final left the All Blacks a man short for nearly three-quarters of the match against South Africa, the No. 1 rugby union team in the world. The Springboks are a grueling enough machine to face when things go right. But when things go wrong against them from the opening minutes, you end up losing the World Cup.

Organizations: New Zealand, Blacks, Stade de France, Rugby, South, team, Springboks Locations: New Zealand, South Africa

☆ Fittingly fraught finale for fantastic World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

World Rugby addressed that with a major overhaul of the calendar they described as "the most significant development in the sport since the game went professional" but those long-suffering countries are going to have to suffer for a few years yet before they start to feel the benefits. Elsewhere, England overcame a terrible build-up to win all their pool games and Fiji shocked Australia to go through alongside Wales. FABULOUS BRANDFiji's final pool game against Portugal was one of the best seen at a World Cup, with the Portuguese playing a fabulous brand of all-court rugby reminiscent of France at their pomp. Amid emotional scenes and roared on by neutrals the world over, they secured their first-ever World Cup victory in the last minute, with Fiji scraping through via their losing bonus point. Wales will forever rue their missed chances in the first of them against Argentina before Ireland and New Zealand produced an absolute classic.

Persons: Denis, Mbonambi, Webb Ellis, Sarah Meyssonnier, agonising, England's, Owen Farrell's, Antoine Dupont, Handre, Sam Cane, Mitch Phillips, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Two Nations, New Zealand, Ireland, South, Fiji, Wales, Portugal, Argentina, England, Pumas, Springboks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Portugal, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Portuguese, Fiji, Marseille, Paris, New Zealand, Argentina, New

☆ Ardie Savea named best rugby player of the year
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Ardie Savea in action with South Africa's Jean Kleyn REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand loose forward Ardie Savea was named World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year on Sunday, despite ending up on the losing side in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final. Savea was chosen ahead of Irish centre Bundee Aki, South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth and France captain Antoine Dupont, who won the award two years ago. Savea is the 11th All Black to win the award, which was first introduced in 2001. His award comes after a stellar season in which he helped New Zealand to win the Rugby Championship and a place in the World Cup final, which they lost 12-11 to the Springboks on Saturday. Ireland’s Andy Farrell was chosen as World Rugby Coach of the Year while All Blacks winger Mark Tele'a won the award for Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Persons: Denis, Africa's Jean Kleyn REUTERS, Sarah Meyssonnier, Savea, Bundee Aki, Eben Etzebeth, Antoine Dupont, Black, Ireland’s Andy Farrell, Mark Tele'a, Mark Gleeson, Clare Fallon Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Africa's, Rights, Saturday’s Rugby, New Zealand, Rugby Championship, Springboks, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Saturday’s, New

☆ Uncertainty now for Springboks as winning era ends
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

First to be settled is what happens with Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, who is seen as the maverick genius behind the country's successive World Cup triumphs. He was coach in 2019 when they won in Japan but tweaked his role thereafter, relinquished the coaching post to his long-time lieutenant Jacques Nienaber. Both have been lauded for the analytical work and attention to detail and are likely to be sorely missed. None of the winning squad have spoken of quitting, either the game overall or their international careers, but the intensity of the World Cup campaign takes a toll as the 31-year-old centre Damian de Allende explained when asked whether he would continue with the Boks. "I would love to say yes but at the moment I have to take it year by year,” he said after Saturday’s victory.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Stephanie Lecocq, Rugby Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Felix Jones, Steve Borthwick, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, ”, “ I’m Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Irish, Leinster, South, England, Ireland, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Japan, Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Europe

☆ Springbok belief and physicality make for world beating mix
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters) - A record fourth Rugby World Cup showed South Africa's dogged determination, which saw the team dig deep at critical moments. Few sides have had as bruising a route to World Cup success as the Springboks in this tournament, playing against each of the other top six ranked nations on their way to the podium. They edged three successive knockout stage matches by a single point to claim the Webb Ellis Cup. "As a South African, as a Springbok, you always believe you are going to win," said centre Jesse Kriel. "We thought we can't mess this up because we believed from 2018 they had the ability to win the World Cup.

Persons: Webb, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard, Jacques Nienaber, I'm, flyhalf Pollard, Kriel, Alexander Smith Organizations: Rugby, Springboks, New Zealand, Stade de France, Springbok, Thomson Locations: New, Paris, South Africa, Jesse Kriel . South Africa, Japan, Ireland, France, England

☆ South Africa hold off 14-man All Blacks to win record fourth World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

No team had ever recovered from a halftime deficit to win a World Cup final and the Springboks came out flying in the second half looking to drive home their advantage. It was the first try South Africa had conceded in four World Cup finals but Mo'unga missed the conversion from wide-out and the Springboks held on to the lead. Kolisi had by now returned to the fray after his card was not upgraded and South Africa brought their famed "bomb squad" off the bench to relieve fatigued forwards. South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe was the fourth player to be yellow-carded seven minutes from time but New Zealand's Jordie Barrett struck the subsequent 48-metre penalty attempt wide of the posts. New Zealand had also been hoping to win a fourth World Cup and coach Ian Foster thought the way the cards for Cane and Kolisi played out had been a decisive factor.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Cyril Ramaphosa REUTERS, Gonzalo Fuentes, Cane, Beauden Barrett, NZ Handre Pollard, Sam Cane, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Handre, Siya Kolisi, Black Richie McCaw, Kolisi, Shannon Frizell, Flyhalf Pollard, Richie Mo'unga, Pollard, Cane clattered, Jesse Kriel, Mo'unga, Ardie Savea, New Zealand scrumhalf Aaron Smith, Mark Telea, Cheslin Kolbe, Zealand's Jordie Barrett, Ian Foster, it's, Nick Mulvenney, Ed Osmond Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, South, NZ, Zealand, Blacks, Springboks, New Zealand, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Africa, South Africa PARIS, New Zealand, New

☆ Rugby World Cup final: Inspirational South Africa captain Siya Kolisi chases history against New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Patrick Snell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —South Africa and New Zealand will meet on Saturday in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time since 1995. On that occasion, it was tournament host South Africa which won a close fought contest 15-12 to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time. Twenty-four years on from that enduring moment, it was the inspiring Siya Kolisi who led his country to victory in the 2019 final against England, becoming the first Black captain to lead South Africa to World Cup glory. Indeed, his participation in this year’s World Cup is also nothing short of remarkable. South Africa or New Zealand will become the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup four times.

Persons: Webb Ellis, Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Mandela, Siya Kolisi, Kolisi, Richie McCaw, Jeanne Accorsini, ”, England’s Tom Curry, ” Kolisi, he’d, Curry, Thomas Samson, it’s, “, Unwisely, Sam Whitelock, Whitelock, Ian Foster, we’ve, ” Foster, Samuel Whitelock, Sebastien Bozon, Foster, Barrett, – Scott, Jordie, Beauden –, Will Jordan Organizations: CNN, Rugby, South, Springboks, England, All Blacks, World Rugby, Rugby World, Getty, While New Zealand, Kiwis, South Africa, Blacks, Twickenham, New Zealand, New, Stade de France Locations: South Africa, New Zealand, Africa, Zwide, Port Elizabeth, England, AFP, While New, London, France , New Zealand, France, Zealand, Paris

☆ Iconic All Blacks prepare to exit stage left but no time for sentiment
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

“We know that it’s the last game for some pretty iconic players but, quite frankly, we don't really want to talk too much about that. He was overlooked for selection for a second successive week with Foster picking Samisoni Taukei’aho as back up hooker instead. Telling Coles he would not get another chance to play for the All Blacks was hard for the coach. For Retallick, who has 108 caps, the chance to end his All Blacks career in a World Cup final was the ultimate. "You can’t put into words what it’s like being in World Cup final.

Persons: Ian Foster, Dane Coles, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, ” Retallick, Smith, Whitelock, Coles, Foster, Samisoni Taukei’aho, ”, “, “ He’s, He's, ” Foster, Scott Robertson, “ I’ve, Mark Gleeson, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby, Blacks, Stade de France, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: MALMAISON, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Pau

☆ Springbok forwards know the stakes after final selection gamble
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PRESLES COURCELLES, France, Oct 26 (Reuters) - South Africa’s forwards know any successful outcome of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final depends on how they dominate New Zealand upfront after the Springboks made a surprise selection gamble for the clash at the Stade de France. "It's going to come down to the forwards," said prop Steven Kitshoff, one of 15 players who were in South Africa's victorious World Cup final squad in Japan four years ago and who starts on Saturday. "We all know the brand and style that the All Blacks play and how dynamic they can be, but for us it’s all about work rate, the scrum battle, the lineout mauling. "It’s always big to play against the All Blacks, but to do so in a World Cup final is like a dream," he said. "I think for a player to play in a game like this, I don’t think it’s ever going to be any bigger.

Persons: Steven Kitshoff, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, we've, De Klerk, Bok, Siya Kolisi, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Saturday’s Rugby, Springboks, Stade de France, New Zealand, Twickenham, Blacks, Ireland, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, New Zealand, South Africa's, Japan, England

☆ Springbok focus on final despite Mbonambi controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Rugby Union - Championship - New Zealand All Blacks vs South Africa Springboks - Auckland, New Zealand - September 16, 2017 South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi reacts after their loss to New Zealand. REUTERS/Nigel Marple/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPRESLES COURCELLES, France, Oct 25 (Reuters) - South Africa have no problem focusing on Saturday's Rugby World Cup final despite the controversy hanging over hooker Bongi Mbonambi and World Rugby's investigation into alleged discriminatory behaviour, assistant coach Felix Jones said. World Rugby are formally reviewing the allegation that Mbonambi directed a racial slur at England's Tom Curry in Saturday's semi-final, where South Africa secured a 16-15 win to set up a final against New Zealand this weekend. "Everyone, as you can expect for a World Cup final, is hugely excited and there is a high level of focus. World Rugby said separately an investigation into the allegations was being conducted by its disciplinary structures but no time line on the process was known.

Persons: Mbonambi, Nigel Marple, Bongi Mbonambi, Felix Jones, Tom Curry, Jones, Curry, Ben O'Keeffe, Malcolm Marx, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Deon Fourie, Marco van Staden, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby Union, Zealand, Blacks, South Africa Springboks, REUTERS, Saturday's Rugby, Rugby, South, New Zealand, Springboks, South Africa Rugby, Stade de France, England, France, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealand, COURCELLES, France, South Africa, Saturday's, England, South, flyhalf

☆ World Cup 2023: Previous World Cup finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

PARIS, Oct 25 (Reuters) - On Saturday, New Zealand take on South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France, with both teams hoping to win a record fourth title. Mapimpi scored the first try in the 66th minute, becoming the first Springbok to score a try in a World Cup final, despite South Africa having won two previous titles. The teams had met in the pool stage with South Africa winning 36-0. Fullback Jonathan Webb scored two penalties for England, whose decision to ditch their forward-reliant tactics for an expansive running game backfired. 1987 - NEW ZEALAND 29 FRANCE 9 (AUCKLAND)The All Blacks laid down the marker in the first World Cup final, dominating from start to finish as flyhalf Grant Fox's kicking helped his team gain territory time and again.

Persons: Makazole, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Mapimpi, Richie McCaw, Flyhalf Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett's, Tony Woodcock, Stephen Donald, Percy Montgomery, Francois Steyn, Alain Rolland's, Mark Cueto, England's Jonny Wilkinson, Australia's Elton Flatley, Wilkinson, Matt Burke, Ben Tune, Owen Finegan, Nelson Mandela, Jonah Lomu, Joel Stransky's, Webb Ellis, Tony Daly, Michael Lynagh, Fullback Jonathan Webb, flyhalf Grant Fox's, Michael Jones, David Kirk, John Kirwan, Pierre Berbizier, Rohith Nair, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Stade de France, England, Springbok, South, Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks, South Africa, ZEALAND, Fullback, Fox, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa, ENGLAND, YOKOHAMA, Japan, AUSTRALIA, TWICKENHAM, FRANCE, AUCKLAND, France, PARIS, England, SYDNEY, CARDIFF, Australia, JOHANNESBURG, Bengaluru

New Zealand and South Africa will contest Saturday's Rugby World Cup final and bring one of sport's most enduring, most intense rivalries to the ultimate stage for the first time in nearly 30 years. The All Blacks and the Springboks — with 102 years of games between them — have met in the Rugby World Cup final just once before, a 1995 showdown that carved out a moment that reverberated way beyond sport. Both teams have won two Rugby World Cups after '95, but never against the other, and to understand the meaning of New Zealand vs. South Africa this weekend at Stade de France in Paris, think Brazil vs. Argentina in a soccer World Cup final. The All Blacks were then beaten by host France in the World Cup opener. ___AP Rugby World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

Persons: It's, —, Nelson Mandela, Deon Davids, ” Davids, Ian Foster, “ There’s, Foster, ”, Jacques Nienaber, — Sam Cane Organizations: Rugby, Blacks, Springboks, New Zealand, Stade de France, South, South Africa —, Ireland, ” STEELY SPRINGBOKS South, France, England, AP Rugby Locations: Zealand, South Africa, New Zealand, New, Africa, Paris, Brazil, Argentina, France, ” STEELY SPRINGBOKS South Africa, — Sam Cane of New Zealand

☆ Pollard gamble pays off for South Africa
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - An injury to hooker Malcolm Marx early in the Rugby World Cup threatened a major blow to South Africa’s hopes of retaining the title but the opportunity to call up Handre Pollard was a gamble that paid off handsomely in Saturday’s semi-final. Pollard, who kicked South Africa to the title at the last World Cup in Japan, was left out of the original 33-man squad after failing to prove his fitness. "We needed some energy and that's why we decided to bring on the bench early," the Springbok coach said. When South Africa won a scrum penalty two metres inside the England half with two minutes to go, the stage was set for Pollard. "Firstly the scrum penalty, that is what got us the opportunity," said Pollard.

Persons: Malcolm Marx, Africa’s, Handre Pollard, Pollard, Libbok, Jacques Nienaber, Siya Kolisi, ” Kolisi, It’s, Ed Osmond Organizations: Rugby, Springboks, New Zealand, Stade de France, Tonga, France, Springbok, South Africa, England, Leicester, Thomson Locations: Saturday’s, England, South Africa, Japan, Yokohama, France

☆ South Africa show England how it's won
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Semi Final - England v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 21, 2023 South Africa's RG Snyman, Deon Fourie and teammates celebrate after the match as South Africa reach the final REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier Acquire Licensing RightsPARIS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - England played a wonderful kicking game against South Africa but their inability to score tries and their inferiority in the scrums eventually proved their undoing in their World Cup semi-final loss on Saturday. South Africa won seven of their eight scrums while England could only won three of their seven, and that eventually gave the defending champions the decisive momentum. England have not scored a try against South Africa at a World Cup since the pool phase in 2003. South Africa are current world champions and world number ones for a reason," Borthwick said. It was the second match in a row that South Africa won by a single point after prevailing 29-28 against hosts France last weekend.

Persons: Denis, Deon Fourie, Sarah Meyssonnier, Steve Borthwick's, Owen Farrell, Handre Pollard, Jacques Nienaber's, Ellis Genge, Borthwick, Farrell, Nienaber, It's, Julien Pretot, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, England, Stade de France, Saint, Snyman, Rights, South, South Africa, Springbok, France, Thomson Locations: South Africa, France, England

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