Clinical Springboks, happy hosts, Irish de ja vu – the top Opta facts
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbySouth Africa were crowned champions at the end of an enthralling Rugby World Cup on Saturday. The tournament in Japan proved a huge success, with packed-out venues and fervent support from a nation...
Erasmus was ready to resign before Wellington win
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbySouth Africa were crowned world champions on Saturday, but their coach said he was ready to walk away as recently as last September. After leading South Africa to Rugby World...
All Blacks hangover may have been a factor, admits Jones
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland went from producing one of their best Rugby World Cup displays to one of their worst and coach Eddie Jones conceded a possible link. Eddie Jones conceded England may...
How Social Media Reacted to the Springboks Victory
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyHe might have played internationally for England, but Kevin Pietersen was among those to laud South Africa's Rugby World Cup final victory. South Africa's third Rugby World...
We couldn't build any pressure, says rueful Ford
7 years ago by UltimateRugbyEngland fly-half George Ford said it was a "hard one to take" after his side suffered a 32-12 defeat to South Africa in the RWC final. George Ford cited England's first-half...
Erasmus 'so proud' after South Africa stun England
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyA proud Rassie Erasmus felt South Africa's team cohesion was a vital factor in their Rugby World Cup triumph. South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus spoke of his pride after...
Gatland jibe haunts ragged England as South Africa play their final
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyErrors replaced excellence for England as a dominant South Africa sealed a third Rugby World Cup and a triumph of symbolic significance. Maro Itoje was named England's man of...
England the latest favourites to suffer final shock
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland's shock loss in the Rugby World Cup final was not the first occasion when a showpiece went dramatically against expectations. England went into the Rugby World Cup final...
South Africa make history by doing the double
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyNo team has ever won the Rugby Championship, or its previous incarnation the Tri Nations, and the World Cup in the same year until now. South Africa made history on Saturday...
England 12-32 South Africa
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbySouth Africa dominated England to match New Zealand's tally of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a third time. Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe kicked England when they were down and...
