(Top) Embracing the champion's throne. (Fig 2 Left) South African President cheers for his team. (Fig 2 Right) Team and President embrace the throne. (Fig 3) Heartbroken British players. Images from tf1 live broadcast. Thursday saw a nationwide transport strike in France, paralyzing national traffic and normal social operations. Finally, on Thursday, the Élysée Palace spokesperson confirmed the divorce of the president amidst rumors swirling around him and his wife Cecilia. This October 18th was truly a Black Thursday; the rare sight of a sitting president and first lady appearing united yet distant, combined with the nationwide strike, paralyzed the entire Paris metropolitan area and dampened the morale for Friday night's decisive match against Argentina. In fact, since the crushing defeat to England last Saturday, the French team's confidence had hit rock bottom. Criticism regarding strategic errors against England and dissatisfaction with the coach were rampant, seemingly dissipating any hope of reclaiming fourth place. The memory of the opening match loss to Argentina under the eyes of the entire nation remains vivid. Nevertheless, the broader French society remained optimistic about this final against Argentina. Amidst a carnival-like festive atmosphere, unaffected by the various impacts of the Paris traffic paralysis, the public collectively supported the French team. As expected, Argentina pressed forward bravely, ultimately crushing France 34-10. Facing passionate support from all French fans, the French team shed tears, shattering the "Blue Dream" again and depriving the host nation of glory. Thus, the biggest loser of this year's Rugby World Cup was the local French team, but the biggest winner was also the host country's tourism industry.

On Saturday, rugby fans worldwide awaited this dragon-tiger battle between England and South Africa. These two teams are currently recognized as the most courageous and fierce, having both been crowned World Cup champions. Especially since England was the defending champion from the previous tournament, this final attracted even greater attention. At 9 PM, the entire Paris metropolitan area seemed to come to a halt; people either gathered under large screens or congregated before numerous small screens in cafes to watch this life-and-death duel of the century. South Africa's courage and ferocity were well known, while England relied on deep strategy. The two teams faced off head-to-head, body against body. Both sides employed wall-like defenses; behind these iron walls, neither team could score despite fighting to the death. No one scored until the end. In the final desperate struggle for the ball, South Africa's fierce charges forced continuous errors from England. Ultimately, the brave South African team won the championship with a score of 15-6 via penalty kicks, seizing the champion's throne from England. Looking back at this year's World Cup, the final between England and South Africa was the most exciting and dramatic. According to the principles of open sports competition, the winner naturally claims the crown and joyfully embraces the long-sought champion's throne, while the loser departs heartbroken and in tears. (It is rare that one-third of the South African rugby team consists of black players, as rugby in South Africa was previously dominated by whites. This should be considered the most outstanding achievement under freedom and democratization, and the most obvious manifestation of sporting democratization. Freedom and democracy have liberated sport and its values.)