The Springboks were rewarded for their World Cup-winning
performance on Saturday at yesterday’s World Rugby awards ceremony.
Not only did they win the Team of the Year award, but coach Rassie Erasmus scooped up the Coach of the Year trophy, with flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit named the best player in the world.
Of winning the coach’s trophy, Erasmus, who beat Eddie Jones, Warren Gatland, Steve Hansen and Jamie Joseph to the prize, says: “I am very proud - those are all guys I look up to.
STAR MAN: Pieter-Steph du Toit
“Coaching South Africa has got some challenges and the way our management and system stood up, I am really proud to be South African.
“We are all chasing the All Blacks - we know what they’ve done over the last 12 years. We’ve won the World Cup, but now it’s about trying to be
consistent like New Zealand.”
Video: Kim Kay/African News Agency
After beating teammate Cheslin Kolbe, England’s Tom Curry, Wales’s Alun Wyn Jones, New Zealand’s Ardie Savea and USA’s Joe Taufete’e to the top individual prize in the sport, Du Toit says: “I want to thank God for the opportunity to play this sport. [I also want to thank my] teammates and the coaching staff.
The Springboks thrashed England in a thrilling Rugby World Cup final on Saturday. Picture: Mark R Cristino/EPA
“If the players around you plays well and you have a good coaching staff, that sets the standards high and that way you go forward. The Springboks mean so much to me, can’t describe that.”
Of winning the team trophy, captain Siya Kolisi says: “This is the best team I’ve ever been part of.”