Springboks exploits have turned Jose Riveiro into a staunch rugby fan

Riveiro hails from Spain, a country not among the super rugby nations in Europe but has only been to the World Cup once in 1999, in Wales.

READ: Siya Kolisi: Springboks bracing for 'biggest game' of their lives

Responding to media questions last night at Orlando Stadium about the Rugby World Cup, he says he’s taken a liking to the sport.

"I was not a rugby fan, I'm not gonna lie but since I came here [to South Africa], I managed to watch a couple of games, to have people around who can explain to me the rules. I like it to be honest and a few days ago, I found myself alone at home celebrating the victory in the semifinal [England vs South Africa], don't ask me why," Riveiro said.

Referring to the nail-biting finish of last week’s semifinal where the Boks snatched the game from the jaws of defeat against their old rivals England through Handre Pollard’s last gap penalty kick, Riveiro says the Boks’ commitment, fighting spirit, and professionalism is really inspiring.

"But I was really feeling the last minutes, it's even worse when you don't really understand the rules and what's happening there but it was really nice. Obviously, I love sports, especially the collective ones. I think they [Springboks] are inspiring, the way they do things. The level of commitment, professionalism, it's something that inspiring at least to me," Riveiro added.

Riveiro is now in his second year in South Africa, and he says in the Springboks he’s seen a team that truly reflects the rainbow nation and the cultures of this country.

He’s also tipping Siya Kolisi and the boys to make history by becoming the first team to win the Webb Ellis Trophy four times in Paris tonight against the All Blacks in the final.

"So, I take it like a lesson, you know. I think the South African rugby national team is a really good picture of this country. The mix of different cultures, fighting together and pushing together and making the whole nation proud. So, I wish them the best. I'm pretty sure that New Zealand is gonna have a difficult time."