South Africa triumph at RWC 2019

A week, it turns out, is a long time in rugby. Seven days ago England totally dismantled the All Blacks, who a week before that had crushed Ireland. In Saturday's final in Yokohama it was South Africa's turn to put on the stronger showing.

England were unlucky to lose Kyle Sinckler in the second minute, forcing veteran Dan Cole onto the field much earlier than Eddie Jones would have liked, and the Springboks took advantage with a regularly dominant scrum.

Across both great rugby-loving nations, fans tensely gripped their armchairs, cups of coffee, early "it's the final after all" beers and friends' shoulders as they watched Handre Pollard and Owen Farrell trade kicks in a tight contest that saw the South Africans up by four penalties to two at half-time.

An England team that had been so clinical made uncharacteristic errors, giving credence to the angle that sustaining the level of performance they put in against New Zealand was always going to be a big ask.

As the second half unfolded, the green wall refused to break, and eventually the game cracked open in the 66th minute when Makazole Mapimpi sped down the left wing, chipping the ball ahead to be gathered by Lukhanyo Am who passed deftly back to the Mapimpi for the first try South Africa has ever scored in a World Cup final. The game was sealed at 32-12 when Cheslin Kolbe danced his way down the opposite wing to score 8 minutes later.

After that it was just a matter of counting down the clock until South Africa's first black captain, Siya Kolisi, would hoist the Webb Ellis Cup to scenes of jubilation at the stadium and across South Africa.

With this performance, South Africa have levelled up RWC history, matching the All Blacks with three victories apiece, and raising the stakes for the 2021 Lions' Tour.

Superbru was right!

69% of Superbru players had picked against the common expectation that England would win, but if we're honest our big South African audience may have been showing a little heart over head with their predictions...

Japan was amazing!

Richaro from Superbru HQ and I were lucky enough to visit Japan during the group stages (though we've now way overplayed our "once in a lifetime card" with our wives, particularly since we first deployed it in 2007...) and found the country incredibly welcoming, organised and engaged. It's a different, special place, and if you can find your way there for a holiday sometime, somehow, do it!

Thank YOU

Thank you for taking part in the biggest tournament we've ever hosted on Superbru. Leaderboards will remain provisional until we finalise the tournament and confirm our global champion on Monday (there are always a final few customer support queries to check up on). We'll post a notice on the site and send out an email when it's all done and dusted. We hope Superbru added a little something extra for you to what was already a tremendous Rugby World Cup.

What did you make of the final?