Siya Kolisi - People outside South Africa don't know what this means for us

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi hailed his side's fighting spirit and hoped it would prove inspirational for his country at large after they retained the World Cup with a 12-11 win over New Zealand in Stade de France.

The Springboks became the first to win four World Cups after holding off a 14-man All-Black side in a gruelling battle.

Four first-half penalties from Handre Pollard gave the defending champions a 12-6 lead at half-time, by which time the All Blacks were a man down after captain Sam Cane had his yellow card upgraded to a red by the bunker.

With Kolisi himself and latterly Cheslin Kolbe spending time in the sin bin in the second half, South Africa had to withstand a final quarter rally, with Beauden Barrett touching down in the corner for the game's only try.

However, New Zealand were unable to nudge in front at any stage, Richie Mo'unga missing the difficult conversion and then Jordie Barrett pulling his 73rd minute penalty wide after Kolbe's deliberate knock-on.

"The All Blacks took us to a dark place, it just shows what team they are, they fought, they put us under so much pressure," said the Springbok captain.

"Credit to my boys for the fight, I'm just grateful."

"We lost our hooker (Bongi Mbonambi) in the early part of the game and obviously we had to adjust to that. The All Blacks put us under so much pressure in lineouts, but some how we found a way."

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Kolisi said the impact of victory in South Africa, struggling amid economic strain, high levels of