The Springboks made history of their own when they defeated New Zealand in the final to win their fourth Rugby World Cup, as if it were written in the stars.

The five teams in the top six in the global rankings were all confronted by the winners during their cruel campaign, but where was the global Cup won?

Defence wins trophies

974–The Springboks surged to the front in the tackle division, coming dangerously close to hitting the 1,000 milestone. This elite team’s dedication to and tenacity on defense are key characteristics that validate the adage “that defense wins trophies.”

28 – Pieter-Steph du Toit, also known as the “Malmesbury missile” according to his coach, set a new mark for the most tackles in a World Cup elimination game with an incredible 28. With the exception of the injured Bongi Mbonambi, every starting forward for the Springboks achieved double digits in their tackle totals throughout the match. The squad’s total of 209 set a finals record for any team.

The untiring unsung hero Franco Mostert made 49 tackles in all throughout the knockout stages, a time when he did not miss a single one.

10–Despite starting just one match throughout the tournament, Ultimate Super Sub-Kwagga Smith led the competition’s turnover rankings. Throughout the 2023 edition, he turned over or stopped 41% of defensive rucks that were struck.

8.5: The Springboks were remarkably disciplined, and even if they weren’t the best at it throughout the world cup, they were still able to give up just 8.5 penalties a match.

Points matter

13/13 — Handre “Iceman” Pollard was brought in to replace Malcolm Marx mostly because of his ability to kick a pinpoint, and he did not disappoint. The fly-half scored every point in the championship game and kicked 100% of his 13 attempts, including two game-winning kicks against England and France in the closing moments. As of right now, Pollard leads all scorers in the history of the Rugby World Cup finals..

 

1 – Given that all three of the knockout matches were decided by a single point, supporters of the Springboks will be keen to point out how hard the 2023 tournament has tried their hearts. With such close wins, the victorious team has never before taken the title.

Experience and leadership

12- Siya Kolisi overcame John Smit to become the Springboks’ most-capped captain at the international competition. He is also one of just two captains in history to have won the World Cup twice.

987 is the total number of caps won by South Africa in the matchday 23 final. It’s interesting to note that the Springboks have played their most seasoned team ever for matchday 23.

14 – Of the 23 players chosen for the 2023 championship, almost half were a member of the matchday team that won the championship in Japan four years prior.

100% – With four final appearances in rugby’s greatest game, South Africa has the finest record on the grandest stage. They have never lost.