World Cup-winner Frans Malherbe revels in taking his place in a special Springbok side, who against the odds went on to reclaim the Webb Ellis Cup.

While unable to immediately comprehend the magnitude of the triumph following his side’s 32-12 win, the prop was quick to point to the collective – a common theme under the leadership of Siya Kolisi.

‘It’s an amazing feeling, to be part of something like this, to be part of a group that achieved something like this,’ he said.

The 28-year-old, who started the encounter before making way under the now trademark ‘bomb squad’ finishing system, admitted he was forced to pinch himself with victory almost certain following tries by wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe.

‘I was sitting on the bench and I was so scared that this was a dream – but obviously it’s not. I can’t describe it yet. It’s definitely not sunk in,’ he added.

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Malherbe was particularly delighted with how the scrum advantage set his side up for the country’s third World Cup crown.

‘The game worked out well for us. The scrums went well in the first half and, as a prop forward, there is nothing more you can ask for. Really, really happy with the performance from everyone. We tried to isolate ourselves from all those talks going on outside. We had our plan and tried to stick with our plan.

‘We only had two training days and the focus was on executing our plan, and ignore all the outside noise and mindgames or whatever.

‘It’s amazing. As I say, it’s not about the individual. It’s just awesome to be part of this and to share it with a team.’

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Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images