How South Africa rose to the top of world rugby

Masterminds: Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus have worked together — first as assistant coach and head coach, and then as head coach and director of rugby — to turn around a shambolic Springboks side. | Photo credit: Getty Images

History-maker: Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s first black rugby captain, has now lifted the Webb Ellis Cup twice. His leadership of a truly multicultural team has united South Africans in their diversity. | Photo credit: Getty Images

Now that the dust has settled on South Africa’s historic triumph at the Rugby World Cup, it’s a little easier to view the record fourth title in clear light and assess its impact — on rugby as well as on the country. The 12-11 victory over New Zealand in last month’s final was the result of years of planning, left-field thinking, systemic change and a well-developed culture of winning.