Mapimpi still in disbelief over World Cup win

South Africa wing Makazole Mapimpi admits he still cannot believe he has won the World Cup after defeating England. Despite going into the game as underdogs, the Springboks rear-guard wore down England and Eddie Jones’ men could not get their attacking game going. The first half was a chess match with the only scoring coming through penalties. In the second half, tired legs saw South Africa grab two tries, the first of which came from Mapimpi after 66 minutes – his sixth of the tournament which put his only behind Wales’ Josh Adams in the top try scorer ranks. Then, the Springboks sealed their third World Cup triumph after 74 minutes when Cheslin Kolbe grounded. The South African team, led by Siya Kolisi returned home to a hero’s reception, and Mapimpi says it is huge for the country. “It’s a big thing for me and for people from the rural area. I feel like there were a lot of people watching me and supporting me. I don’t quite believe what I’ve done or achieved. I spoke to Lukhanyo Am after the game and he told me: ‘We’ve won the World Cup’,” Mapimpi said.