World Cup Final Showdown: A look at the players and their alma maters

There is no test match like one between the Springboks and the All Blacks and when the two side’s meet each other in a World Cup final even more so.

Both countries success on the rugby field could be traced back to the strong rugby culture within their school systems.

Three schools has three representatives each in Saturday’s World Cup final in the Stade de France in Paris. They are Paul Roos Gimnasium of Stellenbosch, Francis Douglas Memorial of Westown and St Kentigern College in Auckland.

Paul Roos Gimnasium also has produced the most Springboks since South Africa’s first test played back in 1891. The three representatives from the Maroon Machine are Damian Willemse, Steven Kitshoff and Willie le Roux.

Francis Douglas Memorial in New Plymouth is the alma mater to the three Barrett-brothers – Beauden, Jordie and Scott who all will be starting for the All Blacks in the final.

St Kentigerns College is a private school in Auckland who will be represented by Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie and Tamaiti Williams in the final.

In total 37 schools will be represented in the final – with the Springbok team consisting of players from 22 schools, while the All Blacks comes from 15 schools.

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The teams for the Rugby World Cup Final and their schools: