Rugby-loving South Africans burst into jubilation on Saturday
night after their team the Springboks defeated defending champions
England 15-6 in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris, France.
Hundreds of overjoyed fans reveled in Rosebank, Johannesburg,
while on a big TV screen the team were seen lifting the Webb Ellis
trophy at the Stade de France in Paris. Wearing the Springboks
jersey and waving the national flag, they celebrated South Africa's
second World Cup title after winning it in 1995 at home.
A chorus of car hooters broke the night silence on the roads,
while commentators dissected the match, which was won with three
penalties by Percy Montgomery and one by Francois Steyn to
England's two by Jonny Wilkinson.
Congratulations on the win streamed in just minutes after the
final whistle blew -- among the first that of Britain's High
Commissioner to South Africa Paul Boateng, the SAPA news agency
reported.
"Well done South Africa, worthy champions," said Boateng as the
South Africans, led by captain John Smit, received their gold
medals.
The team had shown professionalism, patriotism and hunger to win
since the beginning of the tournament, said the South African
Football Players Union (SAFPU).
The Springboks had set a benchmark for all national teams, it
said.
(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2007)