Who was named player of the match in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final?

Pieter-Steph du Toit was named player of the match in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, helping South Africa defeat New Zealand 12–11. His performance was built around relentless defence and work at the breakdown.

Playing at flanker, du Toit made 28 tackles in the final, a remarkable contribution in a match decided by a single point. South Africa scored four penalties through Handré Pollard, while New Zealand’s only try came from Beauden Barrett. The Springboks held on despite New Zealand dominating possession for long periods.

Du Toit had already been central to South Africa’s 2019 World Cup victory and had won World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Player of the Year award in 2019. His 2023 final display reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s premier defensive forwards.

The award is sometimes confused with the man-of-the-match honours from earlier knockout games, where other South Africans—including Pollard—were recognised. In the final itself, the official player-of-the-match honour went to du Toit.