Click here for highlights and a full wrap
Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and Springboks at Stade de France, Paris.
Two months ago, when South Africa inflicted a record defeat on New Zealand at Twickenham in the final hitout before this tournament began, few would have envisaged these two archrivals would meet again when it counted.
The storied history between these two rugby behemouths is about to write another chapter, with the winners of this contest becoming the first to claim four World Cup crowns.
This will be the last time we see many of these All Blacks legends, before they head offshore to continue - and probably end - their illustrious careers. Coach Ian Foster will also depart, with replacement Scott Robertson already appointed to take over next year.
Last time they met in a World Cup final, they turned on an extra-time blockbuster at Johannesburg in 1995.
This contest promises to replicate that spectacle. Join us at 8am Sunday for kick off.
TAB Odds: NZ $1.65, South Africa $2.15
'The game of my life': Mo'unga targets perfect end to All Blacks career with World Cup victory
Now into his final days as an All Black, Richie Mo'unga wants the game's ultimate prize to sign off in perfect fashion.
Mo'unga, 29, is one of a core of senior All Blacks finishing up after Sunday's World Cup final against South Africa, after signing a three-year deal to play in Japan with Toshiba.
All up, eight players, including 100 test veterans Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith as well as stalwart Dane Coles will join Mo'unga in their farewell.
Richie Mo'unga against South Africa. Photo credit: Getty Images
But, as the team have made abundantly clear throughout the build-up to the final, sentiment will only follow come the final whistle at the Stade de France.
"To be honest, it's all been about how can we influence the outcome of this game?" Mo'unga said. "Everyone's in a different chapter of their journey.
"For me, this is a way to make history. I want to be part of history. I want to bring a World Cup home.
"Whatever happens after that, I don't really care at this stage. All my focus and energy is on Saturday night.
"I'm sure a lot of the other boys are like that too. We'll touch on that in good time, about players leaving and whatnot.
"But Saturday night, nine o'clock is where it's at."
Regardless of the outcome on Sunday (NZ time), this campaign has been a long one for the All Blacks.
The team have been away from home for close to three months, given the test against South Africa at Twickenham as a final warm-up match.
But while time away from home can count against players come the pointy end of the tournament, the All Blacks' class of 2023 has seen it as a bonding experience.
Richie Mo'unga against Argentina. Photo credit: Getty Images
And for those leaving the team, like Mo'unga, the memories made off the field will forever stand alongside any achievement made on it.
"When I look back, I'll appreciate the friendships I've made on this tour," he said. "People only see the game on Saturday.
"But the connections and bonds that we share with not only players and management, [there's] great laughs, it's like being on camp sometimes with your friends.
"Pranks, joking around, coffees, feeds or kava, that stuff to me energises me and is a huge reason why I want to try so hard for the person next to me, is those connections.
"I'll miss that, and I think I'll remember that the most. Hopefully looking back, Saturday night will be the game of my life and that'll be something I look at saying is the biggest achievement in my rugby career."
While the All Blacks have endured a difficult four years, including historic lows, this World Cup's quarter-final win over Ireland has ignited a wave of support that the team have relished.
For those Kiwis not lucky enough to be in Paris, it won't be hard to find a place to tune in for Sunday's final, as the nation gears up for the All Blacks' attempt for a fourth Webb Ellis Cup.
"It's real overwhelming for us," Mo'unga continued. We wish we could get back to every single one of them and say we feel the love and support, we really do.
"We feel our country is behind us. For us, as players, coaches and management, we want to do our best to represent all the Kiwis back home.
"For us, it means a lot to see that support and love. To be over here in Paris on the world stage representing Kiwis is something really special."
