Devastated Cane has 'no excuse' over fateful red card

Sam Cane's devastation was plain to see on the giant screen of the Stade de France as the New Zealand captain watched the South African bench run on to the pitch to celebrate their record fourth World Cup title on Saturday.

The flanker watched New Zealand's late rally from the sideline after being red carded midway through the first half for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel.

Cane, however, praised players from both teams after the All Blacks lost 12-11.

"Obviously, extremely gutted and disappointed. First of all that the team had to play the final with 14 men for the last 50-odd minutes," he said.

Cane was sin-binned in the 28th minute and waited anxiously for the by TMO match official Tom Foley who upgraded his yellow card to red.

Handre Pollard had made it 12-3 to the Springboks but the defending champions did not score another point.

"I thought the courage they showed out there tonight was incredible. The whole team are absolute warriors and, look, it's tough," added Cane, only the 11th All Black to be sent off in a rugby test.

Devastated New Zealand captain Sam Cane praises his team for soldiering with 14 men after his first half sending off #NZLvRSA #RWC2023