I want to point out a few things about South Africa winning, but not only winning this World Cup, but defending their crown from 2019.
In both World Cup's South Africa did not play rugby pleasing to the eye, but what they have done is build a group of players, who are immensely physically strong, and immensely mentally tough, and have incredible discipline.
South Africa in both World Cups, broke so many mental barriers, which only paved the way for their success. Losing once or a couple of times to teams, before each World Cup, and then beating them in the tournament. Playing the host nation each time, and beating them in front of their nation, each time. Winning close games on the way to the final. 3x 1point victories the last 3 knock-out games. Last two World Cup wins being away from home. They weren't without their share of problems. Controversies on and off the field, injuries to key players. But they kept at it. Pollard returned at the right time. And everything he kicked at this World Cup, went over. Sometimes things just work in your favour. The harder I work, the luckier I get, as golfer Gary Player used to say.
It really goes to show that if you put in the work, and you concentrate on achieving your goals, then no barrier is too strong.
I sincerely hope South Africa's achievements will be studied by sport psychologists and even by any person involved in sport or not, as it provides hope in the face of adversity. It provides hope to break mental barriers, it provides a way for discipline, work ethic and determination to succeed. South Africa's refusal to die down is an inspiration to any sports team and individual.
Projects take time. Rassie did not have a lot of time with his start to his Springbok coaching career preparing for the World Cup in Japan, and now he has two winning final medals.
The way South Africa play is not really good for the game, but them winning is a massive win for any person or team, who want to achieve great things.
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