South Africa beat New Zealand for a fourth Rugby World Cup title ©Getty Images

South Africa have won the Rugby World Cup with a 12-11 victory against New Zealand in a nail-biting finale.

Handré Pollard kicked South Africa to glory in what was an attritional game at the Stade de France in Paris, with four first-half penalties.

Rassie Erasmus' trademark defensive solidity was on show as his side made 209 tackles to New Zealand's 93.

The main talking point of the first half was a red card to All Blacks captain Sam Cane.

He was originally shown a yellow for a high tackle on Springbok centre Jesse Kriel that saw his shoulder meet the opponent's head in the 27th minute.

The bunker review system later ruled the offence to be worthy of red, making it the first time in a men's Rugby World Cup final that a red card has been shown.

The deciding factor was Cane's body position as he initiated the contact in a very upright position seemingly showing no attempt to lower the tackle height.

Handré Pollard fired South Africa to the win with four penalty kicks, amounting to all 12 of his side's points ©Getty Images
Handré Pollard fired South Africa to the win with four penalty kicks, amounting to all 12 of his side's points ©Getty Images

Marksman Pollard kicked South Africa into a first-half lead as his side went into the break with a 12-6 advantage.

Beauden Barrett brought New Zealand within touching distance in the 58th minute after picking up a loose ball following some dancing feet from winger Mark Telea.

Richie Mo'unga could not add the extras though as the score stood at 12-11 going into the final quarter. 

Both teams were then level on 14 players after Cheslin Kolbe was sin-binned in the 73rd minute for a deliberate knock-on.

Kolbe was unable to lay eyes on the match while on the sidelines but when he emerged his team were world champions as the magnificent defence held firm.

"The last three games have been quite tough, each one we have played has been a final and each one we have won by one point," said player of the match Pieter-Steph du Toit.

"As a team we like drama.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player in history to be shown a red card in the Rugby World Cup final ©Getty Images
New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player in history to be shown a red card in the Rugby World Cup final ©Getty Images

"It has helped us through the last few years, it shows the resilience of this team.

"We are honoured to play for the whole of South Africa and the Springboks. 

"When we go back home it will be a warm welcome for us. 

"Thank you to everyone."

The result marks a record fourth Webb Ellis Cup win for the Springboks, which their opponents were also chasing, adding to their 1995, 2007, and 2019 triumphs.

South Africa won all three of their knockout matches by a single point as they beat France 29-28 in the quarter-final and got the better of England 16-15 in the last four.