South Africa celebrates historic Rugby World Cup win

  • Video report by ITV News Correspondent Nick Wallis

South Africa is celebrating after triumphing in the Rugby World Cup.

The Sprinkboks soared to a 32-12 win at the Yokohama Stadium on Saturday morning, smashing England's hope for glory in the tournament.

Jubilant scenes have been pictured across the country as people take to the streets to celebrate the win - and the bond is brings to the previously divided nation.

It's a historic win for the Rainbow Nation as the team played with its first black captain, Siya Kolisi.

Dejected England fans at Crewe and Nantwich RFC, Nantwich. Credit: PA

Thousands travelled from the UK to watch the match, with Prince Harry among the anxious faces in the packed stadium.

The duke congratulated the winning side on their victory after the match, raising a toast to South African unity.

South Africa won the titles in 1995 against New Zealand and in 2007 against England in try-less finals.

A tense arm wrestle for the trophy delivered its critical moment in the 66th minute when Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am combined brilliantly down the left wing for the first of the Springboks' two tries.

Harpenden Rugby club - where three of England's World Cup squad hail from, including captain Owen Farrell - hosted a big event for fans.

So many England fans turned up they were forced to stand outside to watch the game despite the pouring rain.

Fans at Harpenden Rugby Club, St Albans. Credit: PA

Thousands of England fans had hoped Eddie Jones's side could have emulated the 2003 victory led by Sir Clive Woodward.

England prop Kyle Sinckler left the field for a head injury assessment after apparently being knocked out attempting to tackle South Africa winger Makazole Mapimpi in the third minute of the final.

He lay motionless until medical staff treated him on the field, but was able to walk off.

  • ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott explains the significance of this win for South Africa

Sir Woodward said South Africa's domination at the scrum was crucial to the outcome.

"No doubt the better team won," he said. "At this level of rugby, if you can't scrum properly, if you're going to give five or six penalties at your scrum against a team like this, you're always going to come second."

Jonny Wilkinson, England's hero of 2003, says the Springboks had a huge emotional attachment to the game which helped snuff out Eddie Jones' team.

"Last week the guys played a great semi-final, this week things aligned differently and England needed a different kind of performance and they just couldn't quite find it," Wilkinson said.

  • ITV News Sports Reporter Amy Lewis speaks to England fans disappointed by the win

Pubs in London began to empty before the final whistle as South Africa's name was engraved on the trophy.

But England fans in The Admiralty pub said while they were disappointed, the best team won.

Michael O'Donnell, 58, from Kent, said the Springboks were "a much stronger team physically" on the day.

"While I'm disappointed with the result nothing fell England's way and they deserved the game," he said.

"Last week we were outstanding and this week there was a little bit of nerves and it wasn't to be. We watched the best team win today."