Updated November 3rd, 2019 at 15:10 IST

PM Modi congratulates South Africa for record-equalling 3rd Rugby WC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated recently-crowned Rugby World Cup champions South Africa on winning the title for a record-equalling third time

Reported by: Koushik Narayanan
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated recently-crowned Rugby World Cup champions South Africa on winning the title for a record-equalling third time. South Africa beat England 32-12 in the finals of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday to clinch the title after 12 years. PM Modi hailed South Africa's record-equalling third World Cup victory and said that the Springboks had put up a magical performance. PM Modi termed South Africa's victory as a 'historic moment' for the Rainbow Country and congratulated South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa. 

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PM Modi congratulates Springboks

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Duane Vermeulen named Man of the Match

Just a week after England stunned the All Blacks to proceed into the finals, they were downplayed in every aspect as South Africans rushed to secure three out of three victories in the World Cup final. South Africa's defense had upped their ante as they registered a tackle success rate of 90%, missing just 14 of 154 hits in the match and rarely let England get past the line. 33-year-old Duane Vermeulen was named the Man of the Match as he made 7 tackles, earned two turnovers and ran for 49 meters throughout the game. The Victorious Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus while speaking about the dominating display of the game said, "The boys believed in themselves and we know each other well. We prepared well because we knew England was never going to be easy. We were fortunate too but I am proud of the boys and all I can say is we are really enjoying at this stage."

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Siya Kolisi: "We have faced a lot of challenges"

South African captain Siya Kolisi, the first black South African to captain his country and to lift the World Cup said, "The team has faced a lot of challenges and has been through a lot but the people of South Africa were always behind us. They always supported us. We are grateful for their support. We came together with one goal and wanted to achieve it."

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Published November 3rd, 2019 at 14:56 IST