The All Blacks have officially given up possession of the Webb Ellis Cup after eight years - but not before former captain Richie McCaw had one last touch of rugby's most coveted prize.
McCaw and Japanese skipper Michael Leitch were driven onto the pitch moments after the Springboks were crowned World Cup winners with a surprise 32-12 final victory against England in Yokohama on Saturday.
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McCaw, who retired four years ago after a career including 148 tests, carried the trophy onto the stage for World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont to lead the presentation ceremony - and deliver the cup to South African captain Siya Kolisi.
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Kolisi, who is the first black Springboks captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup, had a stirring message to supporters of his team.
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Advertise with NZME."We have so many challenges in our country but we all came together - from different backgrounds and races... to show that we are capable of anything if we work together," Kolisi said, to rapturous applause from the packed stadium.
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The Springboks now join the All Blacks as the most successful team in World Cup history with three victories.