Thousands brave cold, rain to welcome Springboks

South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi (centre) holds the Webb Ellis Cup after the South African rugby team arrive at the OR Tambo International airport in Ekurhuleni yesterday. Pic/AFP

Thousands of South Africans braved cold, wet weather to greet the Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks when they arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Many wore green and gold, the colours of the national team, as they filled every available space at OR Tambo airport to greet the record four-time world champions. South Africa edged greatest rivals New Zealand 12-11 in a gripping final in Paris last Saturday to achieve back-to-back titles after also winning the 1995 and 2007 title deciders. Supporters cheered in unison as captain Siya Kolisi emerged into the public area, waved at the crowd while holding the Webb Ellis Cup, and took selfies with jubilant supporters.

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"Thank you to the people of South Africa. We have had a long and tough 20 weeks, but it was worth it," said Kolisi, a loose forward and the first black Test captain of the Springboks. "This triumph has been six years in the planning. Winning the World Cup in 2019 was an unexpected bonus as the ultimate goal was always to be champions in 2023."

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