History will be made in Paris on Saturday when the Springboks and All Blacks battle it out in the final of the Rugby World Cup.

It will be the first time since 1995 that the two bitter rivals will face each other in the final and one team will claim a record-breaking fourth title. Back then the Springboks beat the All Blacks 15-12 at Ellis Park in what was one of the most iconic moments in rugby history.

The All Blacks have won the World Cup in 1987, 2011 and 2015, while Boks lifted the coveted Webb Ellis cup in 1995, 2007 and 2019.

On Saturday the Boks edged England 16-15 in the semi-finals, while the New Zealanders in turn beat Argentina 44-6.

The Springboks forwards coach, Deon Davids, told OFM Sport that it doesn’t get bigger than a Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks.

“It’s an exciting and fantastic week ahead,” said Davids.

“There’s a lot of history between the teams, and we’ve played against them a few times. But this is a new game under new circumstances, and we have to derive a good plan and be accurate in our execution. It will be a hard-fought battle.

“It’s always special when we face one another, so it will come down to who does what they have to the best on the day or a brilliant individual moment or two.

“Both New Zealand and us have strengths in the way we play the game, and both squads bring something similar in experience and an X-factor.

“This match will come down to playing in the right areas and the team that uses their opportunities the best will probably come out on top.”

Saturday's final at Stade de France in Paris will kick-off at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport