Kolbe's telling reaction as World Cup final mistake almost costs South Africa
South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe couldn't watch the final seven minutes of the Rugby World Cup final after being sin binned.
The winger, who has been a key performer throughout the tournament, was given a yellow card in the latter stages of the final against New Zealand. The All Blacks were on the attack when Kolbe was pinned for a deliberate knock on.
Referee Wayne Barnes deemed that the offence was worthy of a yellow card with the Springboks holding on to a one-point lead - which they retained to win the World Cup for the fourth time. Kolbe though sat on the sidelines with his head in his shirt.
The winger, who has just left French side Toulon, was visibly distressed as he feared his mistake could prove crucial. From the resulting penalty Jordie Barrett attempted to kick New Zealand into the lead, but his effort didn't have the necessary accuracy.
Kolbe was one of four men to spend time out of the game. Shannon Frizell was given the game's first yellow card early on before All Blacks captain Sam Cane was also sent to the sin bin, only to see his offence later upgraded to a red card - the first ever given in a World Cup final.
South African skipper Siya Kolisi was then given a yellow card in the second-half as he too sweated on a potential red. Kolbe then made the game a 14-all affair for the latter stages.
The South African winger received a late yellow card (ITV Rugby)Kolbe was able to rejoice at full-time as South Africa defended the World Cup - becoming just the second team to do so. The winger scored against England four years ago as he and the Springboks enjoyed a far more dominant win than they did in Paris.
Pieter-Steph du Toit was given the Player of the Match award and hailed his team after their route to success, which saw them down hosts France, England and then the All Blacks - all by narrow margins.
He told ITV: "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. As a team we like drama. 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."
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