New Zealand’s Sam Cane: I’ll have to live with Rugby World Cup final red card forever | Ian Foster: South Africa defeat heartbreaking

Sam Cane: “There is so much pain right now. It’s actually hard to find the words to explain it. It’s hard because you feel so much pain, but at the same time you’re so proud of the group and the way they fought back. something that unfortunately I will have to live with forever”

New Zealander Sam Cane has spoken of his “pain” following his red card in the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa, saying he will have to “live with it forever”.

Cane was shown a red card for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel in the 29th minute of New Zealand’s 12-11 defeat by the Springboks in Paris, and although the All Blacks fought admirably, they could not claim victory.

“There is so much pain right now,” Cane said. “It’s actually hard to find the words to explain it. It’s hard because you feel so hurt, but at the same time you’re so proud of the group and how they fought back.

“It caught me off guard a bit, the fact that Kriel took a step back. But look, we’ve been in this tournament for two months now and everything around the head has consequences.

“I’m not here to discuss whether it was right or wrong. It cannot be changed. It’s something I will unfortunately have to live with forever.

Cane was shown a red card in the 29th minute of Saturday’s final against South Africa for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel

“We really gave ourselves a good chance to win that game. I think it speaks volumes about the group as a whole. They’re a fantastic group of guys who care so much about playing for the All Blacks and making New Zealand proud There is a lot of heartbreak in the warehouses at the moment. It’s difficult.’

Outgoing New Zealand head coach Ian Foster added: “To get it done in such a short space of time is heartbreaking.

“It’s heartbreaking for him (Cane), frustrating for us.

“I’m proud of our boys. To get that red card so early and fight our way back and give ourselves a chance is quite special. I don’t think it went wrong in any obvious way, it was a real arm wrestling, both teams had their moments… I’m incredibly proud of the way we fought.”

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James Cole outlines how South Africa won their record fourth Rugby World Cup title after beating New Zealand, who were reduced to 14 men after captain Sam Cane’s red card.

Du Toit: We are honored to play for all of South Africa | Kolisi: We have a task to inspire

South Africa back row Pieter-Steph du Toit said after the match…

“The last three games have been quite tough. We played every match as a final and every match was one point ahead, so it was tough for us and we are happy with the win.

“For all of South Africa, we are honored to play for you and for the Springboks. I know it will be a warm welcome for us when we return home.”

South African captain Siya Kolisi said after the match…

“What happened at the last World Cup was actually what we were hoping for because we were trying to get the name of the Springboks back. But now people were expecting us.

World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi spoke about their role in inspiring people in South Africa

“There is so much going wrong in our country, we are basically the last line of defense, there are so many people who come from where I come from who are hopeless.

‘There is so much division in the country, but we are showing people that it is possible for people from different backgrounds to work together – not just on the rugby field, but in life in general.

“I have a job to make sure I give everything I can for the jersey, to make sure I inspire the next generation that they can have these kinds of opportunities.”