23 October 2007

Thousands of jubilant fans gathered at the OR Tambo International Airport to the east on Johannesburg to welcome home the Springboks after their 15-6 victory over England in the Rugby World Cup final, as well to catch a glimpse of the prestigious William Webb Ellis Cup.

Supporters braved the early morning chill, gathering at the airport as early as 3am on Tuesday to welcome the men in green and gold, as they arrived back in the country following their seven week adventure in France, during which they remained unbeaten.

Several senior government officials including Deputy Sport and Recreation Minister Gert Oosthuizen and Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa awaited their arrival, while fans chanted, sang and blew on vuvuzelas as the players came into view.

Victorious captain John Smit said he was speechless and unable to describe the emotions that he was feeling. "It's something that's taken a lifetime to work for," he said.

He said his team just wanted to "bring the cup back to South Africa, to the people who appreciate it the most," adding that the welcome they received at the airport was far beyond what anyone had imagined.

Oosthuizen thanked the team for carrying the message that South Africa was a winning nation, as well as demonstrating the power of sport in its ability to unite a nation.

Jake White, South Africa's most capped coach and the only coach to win both the under-21 and senior World Cup competitions, said the most significant moment for him was when the players hoisted President Thabo Mbeki onto their shoulders at the end of the game at the Stade de France in Paris.

He said that conditioning and defence were crucial to the Springboks' unbeaten streak through the competition, and that veterans like prop Os du Randt and fullback Percy Montgomery were instrumental in providing guidance and leadership to the squad.

After being in charge for more than 50 rugby test matches, White said that he would like to "take some time off, chat to my bosses and then make the right decision" regarding his future.

Even before the end of the World Cup, there was speculation linking White to coaching positions in Wales, England, Australia and Argentina.

Source: BuaNews

	South Africa: world champions! South Africa into World Cup final Phumzile to meet with Springboks Springboks head for Paris Boks beat USA, top RWC Pool A 50-up for Bok coach Jake White Scrappy Boks edge tough Tonga Brilliant Boks hammer England Boks, Habana hit ground running The Boks' road to the World Cup South African rugby

	SA Rugby  Dept of Sport and Recreation

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