In Pictures

Scenes of joy as South Africa lift Rugby World Cup trophy

People across the country celebrate the national team’s final win over England, the Springboks’ third world title.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup - Final - England v South Africa - International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan - November 2, 2019 South Africa players celebrate with the Webb Ellis trophy after winn — South Africa players celebrate with the Webb Ellis trophy after beating England in the final. [Matthew Childs/Reuters]

Cheers of joy erupted across South Africa on Saturday as the country’s national team emerged triumphant at the Rugby World Cup final held in Japan – the Springboks’ third world title.

Almost a quarter-century after South Africa’s first win, Siya Kolisi, the first black player appointed captain in 128 years of Springboks’ history, lifted the trophy after a 32-12 win over England in Yokohama.

“We love you, South Africa,” Kolisi said in a post-game speech, after thanking the South African people on farms, in the taverns, in the townships and the cities.

“We can achieve anything if we work together as one.”

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup - Final - England v South Africa - International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan - November 2, 2019 South Africa''s Makazole Mapimpi scores their first try REUTERS/Issei — South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi scores their first try. [Issei Kato/Reuters]

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup - Final - England v South Africa - International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan - November 2, 2019 South Africa''s Siya Kolisi celebrates after winning the World Cup F — Siya Kolisi is the first black player appointed captain in the 128 years of Springboks' history. [Edgar Su/Reuters]

South Africa fans watching a giant screen at the Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg, South Africa, celebrate South Africa scoring points during the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and En — South African fans watching the final on a giant screen at the Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg. [Denis Farrell/AP Photo]

A South African fan in Masiphumelele informal settlement celebrates South Africa winning the rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa played in Japan, Cape Town, South Africa, 02 Novembe — A fan in Masiphumelele informal settlement celebrates South Africa's win. [Nic Bothma/EPA]

South African fans celebrate at the Pirates Rugby Club in Johannesburg, South Africa after their team''s victory in the Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and England being played in Tokyo, Jap — Celebrations at the Pirates Rugby Club in Johannesburg. [Jerome Delay/AP Photo]

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup - Final - Fans watch England v South Africa in Khayelitsha, Cape Town - Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa - November 2, 2019 South Africa fans celebrate winning the w — The mood was similar in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. [Mike Hutchings/Reuters]

South African fans celebrate South Africa winning the rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa played in Japan, in a tavern in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, 02 November 2019. So — South Africa has won the world title three times: in 1995, 2007 and 2019. [EPA]