Winner
South Africa brilliantly won their second Rugby World Cup, in France, beating England 15-6 in the final, after going through the tournament unbeaten.
Coach Jake White has inspired a major turnaround in the team’s success since taking charge in 2004.  Percy Montgomery was the highest points scorer in the competition, but Bryan Habana was acknowledged as the player of the tournament as top try scorer.  John Smit played a captain’s role and Francois Steyn was hailed as the most prodigious young talent in world rugby.  Os du Randt, who played in the 1995 World Cup winning side, retired after the tournament as the most capped forward in South African rugby history.
Team of the Year 2008
Nomination
Year
Result
2010
Nominee
2008
Winner

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