'An amazing achievement' - reaction after South Africa win fourth World Cup

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There are 1,437 days until the next World Cup starts in Australia in October 2027.

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How many of this squad will we see in World Cup action again?

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Handre Pollard has now scored 34 points in World Cup finals, and at 29 does he have another final in him?

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Their latest victory means the Springboks have won half of the eight tournaments they have taken part in. South Africa were absent from the first two editions because of the sporting exile imposed by the rest of the world in reaction to the country's apartheid government.

In that era, the Springboks were hated by many black South Africans. But under the leadership of Siya Kolisi - the team's first black Test captain - they have won backing from across the spectrum of the Rainbow Nation.

Read Mike's full match report here

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Speaking to ITV, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi said: "I honestly can't explain it. What happened in the last World Cup, we were kind of hoping to get the name of the Springboks back but now people were expecting us to do it.

"Honestly, there is so much going wrong in our country, we are the last line of defence. So many people are helpless and there is so much division but we show there is hope.

"Look what the sport did in 1995. Without that, I wouldn't be here, there were people before that who fought for people that look like me to be in the jersey.

"We knew New Zealand would come more after the red card. That is why they have been so successful over they years and then obviously my moment of naughtiness cost us with a yellow card.

"We have played against teams who have done this before. Nobody gave England a chance when they played us and they showed who they are, and then New Zealand today. I'm really proud of what the boys have done."

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Hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi played 21 minutes of the final in 2019 before coming off hurt.

He lasted four minutes tonight.

He has two World Cup winning-medals. Not bad going for 25 minues' graft!

SMS Message: The legacy of this World Cup could be that the rules around red cards are too arbitrary. We've simply had too many debatable decisions which have left players on/off the field. Entire teams shouldn't be punished for marginal calls. 20 minutes in the bin and then the red-carded player has to be substituted would be more appropriate. from Gordon

The legacy of this World Cup could be that the rules around red cards are too arbitrary. We've simply had too many debatable decisions which have left players on/off the field. Entire teams shouldn't be punished for marginal calls. 20 minutes in the bin and then the red-carded player has to be substituted would be more appropriate.

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South Africa have shown such confidence, when they lost in the pool it was almost like it did not matter.

It was like 'this is business and this is what we do.' Whatever happened in the game they just had a little more composure, South Africa are incredibly physical and eat you up defensively.

It played into their hands at times. They are a difficult team to beat and they have some smart players like Kwagga Smith who came on and turned balls over. They chanced around at the breakdown and forced the referee to make decisions.

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Jacques Nienaber, head coach of South Africa: "We came a long way with the players. We always planned for this World Cup, since 2018. Massive credit to our fans. They were special from South Africa, 62 million people, the videos we had to play from them. It was unbelievable."

On the strategy:

"The main thing is they're a squad. They have been in a World Cup final before, some of them have played their third World Cup now. I think the experience pulled them through. They are an amazing bunch of guys, they are all warriors and they all love South Africa."

Andrew: South Africa played the other five teams in the current top-6 in world rugby to with the Rugby World Cup. Their navigation of those fixtures is testament to the quality and experience of their playing squad, as well as the greatest coaching box ever assembled.

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All Blacks head coach Ian Foster: "I am proud of our guys, to go down to that red card so early and fight our way back and give ourselves a chance is pretty special.

"I don't think it went wrong in any clear way, it was a real arm wrestle, both teams had their moments. I'm incredibly proud of the way we fought and to get within a whisker of pulling it off is heart-breaking."

On the team: "This group is very proud to be All Blacks, very proud to play for their country and have worked incredibly hard to get here.

"While I am so proud of what we did and how we worked we have to give it to South Africa, they are a quality team.

"They have had a few close victories in this tournament and are a different class. It's special for them but it equally hurts for us. I can't ask for much more than we did, we couldn't put more out on the park."

On Sam Cane: "We will sort that off, it's gut-wrenching for him. Frustrating for us."

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I have got to say, to see Siya Kolisi lift the trophy a second time it is a special moment.

Kudos to New Zealand and their effort.

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Only David Kirk, Nick Farr-Jones, Francois Pienaar, John Eales, Martin Johnson, John Smit and Richie McCaw know what he's going through - as Siya Kolisi lifts the Webb Ellis Cup into the sky for a second time!

South Africa. Champions. 2023...

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All Blacks captain Sam Cane, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am extremely gutted and disappointed. First of all that the guys had to play with 14 men for the last 50-odd minutes.

"I thought the courage they showed out here tonight was incredible, the whole team are absolute warriors.

"It's tough, I would like to say well done to South Africa. Back-to-back winners, they have been a fantastic team.

"They have had a heck of a tough road to the final and they have showed time and time again they have found a way to win."

SMS Message: Are we forgetting that South Africa have just scraped past 14 players? They didn't look like scoring in the second half, were incredibly lucky to win even with the help of the ref all game... from John

Are we forgetting that South Africa have just scraped past 14 players? They didn't look like scoring in the second half, were incredibly lucky to win even with the help of the ref all game...

South Africa are up in the Parisian drizzle to get their medals. Gold, and a ticket to sporting immortality.

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Former Munster and Ireland player Felix Jones has now won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa as a coach.

Ireland may not be able to get past a quarter-final but he certainly knows how to win the trophy.

He now joins England as an assistant coach - at only 36, he has a decent coaching CV.

Such calls define careers. That's what makes these showpiece events so big.

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I am proud of them and it was an awesome effort, the All Blacks had some opportunities and they let nobody down.

They kept giving it a go and the country will be proud of them and not angry - they were awesome.

Sam Cane is not notorious for being a dirty player, he makes hard tackles but legal. On another occasion that might not be a red card, he had led by example and has nothing to be ashamed about.

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South African captain Siya Kolisi, speaking after the game on BBC Radio 5 Live: "There are no ways I can explain it. I want to give credit to the All Blacks. They took us to the end, they took us to a dark place.

"It shows what kind of team they are, to fight with a man down from early in the game. They put us under so much pressure.

"Credit to my boys too for the fight. I am just grateful we could pull it off."

"We lost our hooker in the early part of the game and we had to adjust to that. They put a lot of pressure on our line-outs but somehow we found a way.

"People who are not from South Africa don't understand what it means for our country. It is not just about the game.

"Our country goes through such a lot. We are just grateful that we can be here. I want to tell the people of South Africa 'thank you so much'.

"This team just shows what you can do. As soon as we work together, all is possible, no matter in what sphere.

"In the field or in offices, it shows what we can do. I am grateful for this team, I am so proud of it."