South Africa desperately wanted to win this World Cup so it would have been understandable if Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, flexed a bit during the post match interview after leading his side to a dominant win in the World Cup final over England.

When asked what went through his mind as the final whistle blew, Kolisi chose to be grateful for what his team achieved and spoke passionately about what this win means.

“I was just grateful for everything for what the team has been through. We’ve been through a lot of challenges but the people of South Africa have gotten behind us and we are so grateful to the people of South Africa.”

It’s tough being national captain of a South African team. The pressure to represent a diverse team can sometimes be a noose around your neck but Kolisi has worked tirelessly to build a team identity that truly embodies what it means to be Proudly South African.

“We have so many problems in our country. To have a team like this… we come from different backgrounds, different races and we came together with one goal and we wanted to achieve it. I really hope we have done that for South Africa to show we can pull together if we want to achieve something.”

There is no doubt that 1995 was huge for the country. We found our combined identity with rugby being the common denominator. It set the tone for South African sport in the post apartheid era and has been the benchmark for other great successes that have been built on it. It truly marked the Madiba legacy and got South Africans to rally around being the Rainbow Nation.

2007 showed that 1995 wasn’t just a flash in the pan and South Africa could stand tall with the big guns in world rugby. It once again gave South Africans a reason to believe as the Boks played their part in uniting the country.

What does this mean win to South Africa? This is what Kolisi said after leading South Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup title: “Since I have been alive, I have never seen South Africa like this.  Obviously in 1995 what know what the World Cup did for us and now with all the challenges we are having, the coach just came in and told us the last game that we are not playing for ourselves, we are playing for the people back home.

“That’s what we wanted to do today and we really appreciate all the support. The people in the taverns, the people in shebeens, people on farms, some homeless with screens there, and people in rural areas. Thank you so much. We appreciate all the support. We love you South Africa. We can achieve anything if we work together as one.”

Siya’s dad must have been so proud as he watched from the stands in Yokohama. Dreams do come true!

Nationwide television coverage threw the door open for millions of South Africans to watch today’s final. This win has changed the country. Even before today’s final, there was a sense that change was coming.

This is far bigger than rugby. This will inspire people on various levels to live their best lives.

Thank you, Springboks, for showing us that sport unites!

Photo caption: Siya’s dad watching his son lead the Springboks to World Cup victory. Great share by Fikile Mbalula on Twitter