Cheers of joy erupted across South Africa on Saturday as the country’s national team emerged triumphant at the Rugby World Cup final held in Japan – the Springboks’ third world title.

Almost a quarter-century after South Africa’s first win, Siya Kolisi, the first black player appointed captain in 128 years of Springboks’ history, lifted the trophy after a 32-12 win over England in Yokohama.

“We love you, South Africa,” Kolisi said in a post-game speech, after thanking the South African people on farms, in the taverns, in the townships and the cities.

“We can achieve anything if we work together as one.”



