'Take a bow Jake White'

Fans pay tribute to new Bok coach

Few would have thought it possible, but it took a former school master to steer the Springboks to a Tri-Nations trophy - giving his critics a lesson along the way - pulling South African rugby from the nightmare of last year's Rugby World Cup embarrassment and the pre-RWC disgraces, to the brink of a bold, new era. The fans paid tribute to new Bok coach Jake White for his hand in the revival of the team.

A VICTORY DESERVED BY THE BOKS:

"Well, the Springboks have made South Africa very proud and most of all have become a great squad of players. South Africa does have the players after all, all we were lacking over the years was a decent coach!

"The only difference between the squad of 2001-2003 and that of 2004 is Jake White. The Springboks are playing with passion, pride and power. And that is a very powerful set of feelings to have.

"The past sides looked very unhappy and they clearly didnt appreciate playing for South Africa and I blame the coaches for that. It is their job to keep the players happy, focused and motivated. The Rudolf Straeuli era saw players that looked like they were about to be executed.

"Well done Jake and well done to the players. They have achieved a huge amount in such a short space of time. Lets hope that SA learn this leason without repeat, good leadership not money wins matches!"
- Ivan Waddell, Cheltenham Town, England

"South Africa has and will always have lots of local talent. But that is not enough to play at the highest levels. Finally a coach to replace Nick Mallet, well done Jake White and the rest of the coaching staff and management. Thank you Springboks you made this expat very HAPPY."
- Jonathan, Vancouver, BC.

"Congratulations to Jake White and the Boks for their Tri-Nations Title, it was well deserved. I am wrapt for Jake White as I found him a humble man, in defeat and victory.

"Again congratulations Jake, on your fine win and may the next few days for you and your team be enjoyable and memorable, and try and sing in tune. Keep the trophy clean, once we sort out this phenomenon called a flat backline (dump it) we are coming for the trophy."
- Robert Hughes, Rotorua, New Zealand.

"The Boks are back with a bang and I think things will only get better for us. Winning the Tri-Nations is a step to better things. We probably have some of the best athletes in the world and now we have an excellent coach who is not afraid to pick them. Just imagine how good the Boks could become if the structure of South African Rugby improves? Watch out the northern hemisphere."
- Mohammed, Manchester, UK

"Nice one Springboks. What a clean game between the two for a change as well (despite the yellow cards)! South Africa did to the Aussies what they have done countless times to many before and drilled in the points in a short period of time and said 'bring it on'. And boy did the Aussies bring it on! Easily the best Tri-Nations I have ever seen and much of it down to the South Africans who came to the party this year.

"Congrats to New Zealand as well though as they have set the standard in this tournament and as South Africans we can't make any claims of that scale based on this win. So hey hard luck All Blacks I was incredibly impressed by how they took defeat last week, nobody deserves to be at the bottom this year."
- Michael Byrne, London

"Don't fool yourselves people. The boks were way ahead of the Wallabies today, and on the day. The Wallabies could only function agains fourteen and thirteen players, and that's when they managed their vital scores. WELCOME BACK SPRINGBOKS...WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!"
- Harry Bauskin, Toronto

"The Springboks have shown true grit and determination to come from a dreadful first half and I think we deserved to win. So come on Boks lets make it four out of four next year!"
- Ecstatic Bok supporter, South Africa

"These are new horizons for young rugby team. Congrats Boks! It pays off if you have a coach that's got a feel for the game and shows it in his selection of players."
- Etienne, South africa