Sam Cane in devastating reveal after brutal World Cup final drama

All Blacks captain Sam Cane has made the devastating reveal he will have to live with his red card incident that saw him spend most of the Rugby World Cup final on the sideline as South Africa won 12-11. Cane cut a dejected figure in the World Cup final's post-match ceremony as his red card overshadowed a brilliant All Blacks display, despite South Africa winning their second-straight title.

In the 21st minute, Cane collected Jesse Kriel high with the smaller outside centre bracing for contact as Cane's shoulder made contact with his head. The All Blacks No.7 was handed a yellow card as the TMO reviewed the tackle.

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And after a few minutes, in the biggest turning point of the final, referee Wayne Barnes announced the challenge had been upgraded to a red card. Former players, commentators and fans were all divided on the call, which saw the All Blacks battle away bravely, but fall short in the final moments to the Springboks.

Cane appeared devastated after the match having become the first player ever sent off in a Rugby World Cup final. And the All Blacks star was all class in his post-match interview, but admitted his devastation after the controversial call.

“We have been at the tournament for two months and anything around the head has ramifications,” Cane said to reporters after the final whistle. "I am not here to say whether it is right or wrong, it can’t be changed. Unfortunately it is something I will have to live with forever.”

All Blacks coach Ian Foster also tried to dismiss talks of the upgraded card, but felt it was bizarre South African captain Siya Kolisi didn't receive a similar penalty for his yellow card tackle.

“I don’t want to be us talking about red cards,” Foster said. “It is what it is. There will be a plenty of time to analyse that. The game has got a few issues it’s got to sort out.

“That’s not sour grapes. There were two similar incidents one was a red, one was a yellow (for Kolisi). That is the game.”

World Rugby under fire for Sam Cane decision

There has been plenty of fallout over the red card incident with rugby fans divided over the decision. While former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper agreed it was a red card, he felt remaining off the field for the rest of the game is a harsh punishment.

"I wonder what World Rugby are thinking. Perfect opportunity for the 20 minute red card...contest is completely ruined. It is a red card. He should be off the field," he said. However, former All Blacks back Israel Dagg was more critical of the scenes that unfolded in the final.

“This is our showpiece event, which has been overshadowed by a couple of people that are just taking the glory and the gloss away from the players,” Dagg said on Sky Sports.

“I’m honestly just fed up … it is putting apprehension in the mind of our players. You can see why people switch off the game, because it’s as boring as hell, because you don’t have the best players out there.

“There were some contentious moments but deal with it after the game. There was no malice in (Cane’s tackle) and Jesse Kriel is fine.”

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