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The South African national rugby union team (the Springboks) are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup and the Tri-Nations Championship. They are ranked number two in the IRB World Rankings as of 16 November 2009. They were named 2008 Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards. As of 23 October 2009, the Springboks are holders of every major trophy available to them: the World Cup, the Tri-Nations, Nelson Mandela Plate, Freedom Cup and British and Irish Lions Series Winners.

Although South Africa was instrumental in the creation of the Rugby World Cup competition, the Springboks did not compete in the first two World Cups in 1987 and 1991 because of anti-apartheid sporting boycotts of South Africa. The team made its World Cup debut in 1995, when the newly democratic South Africa hosted the tournament. The Springboks then defeated the All Blacks 15-12 in the final, which is now remembered as one of the greatest moments in South Africa's sporting history, and a watershed moment in the post-Apartheid nation-building process. South Africa regained their title as champions in 2007, when they defeated England 15–6 in the 2007 final. As a result of the 2007 World Cup tournament, the Springboks were promoted to first place in the IRB World Rankings which they have since lost.

The Springboks play in green and gold jerseys, and their emblems are the Springbok and the Protea. The side have been playing international rugby since 1891, when a British Isles side toured the nation, playing South Africa in their first Test on 30 July. South Africa is currently coached by Peter de Villiers, after Jake White, who led the Boks to the 2007 World Cup title, announced his resignation effective at the end of 2007. The current captain is John Smit, who was returned to his traditional position of hooker effective with the Boks' last 2009 Test against Ireland after having been moved to tighthead prop for the 2008 end of year tests, and spending the next 12 months in that position.

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