Reactions after the New Zealand final

Siya Kolisi (Captain South Africa): “I would say that this year's tournament was more difficult (compared to 2019, editor's note). We knew that from the draw. Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Eramsu have always told us: great things are never achieved under ideal conditions. We played against the host country, And we played against a difficult England… The motivation came from our homeland and our families. The coaches created an environment that allows us to be with our families, wherever we are, as if we were at home. There are fifteen to twenty children running around the hotel… It is one of the most beautiful things that They can do it for us. People from South Africa, some of our friends, spent their savings to come and see us. If I don't give 100% on the pitch, I'll be fooling all these people, that's what the coaches always remind us. To motivate ourselves, we don't have to look far. »

Ian Foster (New Zealand coach): “It breaks our hearts. You saw a team that wanted this and gave everything. The red card put us on the brink. I'm proud of the way we hung in there. I couldn't ask for anything more from the players. South Africa are a strong team, played well and deserved to win.” »