Springboks are warriors who relish challenge, says 1995 hero Stransky

The 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks are warriors rather than superstars who relish a challenge, former star flyhalf Joel Stransky said on Sunday.

South Africa pipped 14-man New Zealand 12-11 at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday to lift the symbol of global rugby supremacy a record fourth time.

The first title came in 1995, also against their greatest rivals the All Blacks, thanks to an extra-time drop goal from Stransky at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

5 talking points | Rugby World Cup final: Pieter-Steph a Bok colossus, goal-kicking wins trophies

"Pieter-Steph (du Toit) was sensational in the final, making 28 tackles, and thoroughly deserved the man of the match award," he told the SuperSport TV channel.

"But Pieter-Steph would be the first to admit that he is not a superstar, He is one of 35 special players who represented South Africa so magnificently at this World Cup.

"Our victory over the All Blacks in Paris was a collective effort, with no one shirking their responsibilities.

"This is a team that embraces adversity. It is often said that the Springboks are at their best when the odds are against them.

"Think France in the quarter-finals, think New Zealand in the final. On both occasions we were the underdogs and yet we somehow found a way to succeed."

"We were favourites against England in the semi-finals and struggled for most of the match. A Springbok is at his best when his back is against the wall."

South Africa held on for a 29-28 victory over France then came from nine points behind to pip England 16-15 through a long-range Handre Pollard penalty two minutes from time.

'Part of our DNA'

Stransky said wearing the green and gold Springboks jersey had always been special, and every rugby player in the