Who scored the first try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final?

Makazole Mapimpi scored the first try in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, helping South Africa defeat England 32–12 in Yokohama, Japan. His score came in the 66th minute, after the Springboks had built their lead through Handré Pollard’s goal-kicking.

The final was tightly contested early on. South Africa led 12–6 at half-time, with all the first-half points coming from penalties. After further kicks made the score 18–12, Mapimpi finished a move on the left wing to score South Africa’s breakthrough try. Pollard converted it, extending the advantage to 25–12.

Mapimpi’s try had historic significance beyond the match itself: he became the first Springbok to score a try in a Rugby World Cup final. Cheslin Kolbe added another try eight minutes later. The result delivered South Africa’s third World Cup title, following victories in 1995 and 2007.