All Black Ardie Savea was crowned World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year, while Ireland coach Andy Farrell won Coach of the Year at a star-studded World Rugby Awards 2023 ceremony on Sunday.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi thanked South Africa for inspiring them to overcome the All Blacks in Saturday's Rugby World Cup Final.
The Springboks delivered when it mattered on the greatest stage of them all as they hung on for a 12-11 victory over the All Blacks to successfully defend their Rugby World Cup trophy in Paris.
Former World Cup winners Schalk Brits and Kieran Read have hailed the Springbok coaching staff for having the guts to select seven forwards on the bench for Saturday's final.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi described Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand as one of the biggest matches in his life – a sentiment widely shared by his teammates.
The All Blacks have made two changes to their matchday squad for the Rugby World Cup Final against the Springboks at the Stade de France on Saturday.