Rugby-New Zealand PM praises resilient All Blacks despite World Cup final loss

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Ethan de Groot, Brodie Retallick and Codie Taylor react REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

(Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins praised the All Blacks for their resilience and determination despite seeing Ian Foster's side slip to a narrow defeat against South Africa in the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris on Saturday.

New Zealand lost 12-11 as the South Africans defended the title they won in Japan four years ago, with the All Blacks forced to play much of the game with 14 players following Sam Cane's red card.