The New Zealand rugby team secured third place at the World Cup in Japan with a 40:17 (28:10) win over Wales. Coach Steve Hansen and captain Kieran Read won bronze on their last outing for the All Blacks. The successful title defense had done for the New Zealanders in the semifinals when the team defeated England 7:19.
New Zealand dominated the match in Tokyo, which was persecuted in the stands by former Emperor Akihito and his wife Michiko. A total of six attempts reach the three-time world champion. Wales, which had to contend with many failures, missed the first victory against New Zealand since 1953 and thus his second World Championship medal to bronze in 1987.
Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP
The former Emperor Akihito and his wife Michiko (both waving) watched the match live in the stadium
In the final on Saturday in Yokohama (10 pm / ProSieben Maxx) England and South Africa meet. It is the reissue of the final of the 2007 World Cup in France. The duel in the Stade de France had won South Africa 15-6, with a renewed triumph, the team could match titles with record world champion New Zealand. However, the English are the favorites this year.
