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Smit: `I would have taken 3-0`

Celebration time for John Smit and Jake White

An elated South African captain John Smit said that he would have taken victory by any margin in the World Cup Final against England in Paris on Saturday.

Both Smit and Bok coach Jake White praised England for their remarkable comeback from a 0-36 drubbing at the hands of the Boks over a month ago to reach the Final.

But ultimately it was a tournament they were determined to win and felt that it was just reward for four years of hard work.

"We had 45-million-odd South Africans and the rest of the world shouting for us tonight," Smit said in his post match reaction.

He described it as a "colossal game" and said the fact that they have actually won the World Cup will only sink in in a couple of days' time.

He said England were much better than when the Boks whitewashed them in the pool stages.

"They were a completely different side tonight," Smit said.

"It really was anyone's game and they [England] played particularly well.

"But I would have taken 3-0," the Bok captain added.

White also said England were "much better" than people gave them credit for and they were very competitive in Paris.

"Again, it just shows you how tough World Cups are," the Bok coach said.

"I always knew we had to play well to win it, but what more can I say - I'm obviously delighted with the result."

White said that while he looked composed on the outside, he was dying inside.

"This was important for our country and all credit to the players, they have been unbelievable for South African rugby in last four years."

White also praised his team's defence, which has seen them hold England tryless in two World Cup matches.

"That's what win World Cups," the coach said.

Smit also was full of praise for his coach.

"Jake White, what he's done in four years is unbelievable. He has given us the direction and confidence to win this Cup."