All the reaction: Foster 'frustrated' with refs, Boks speechless

The Springboks have won a fourth Rugby World Cup after defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in the final in Paris.

The All Blacks played around 50 minutes with 14 players after captain Sam Cane saw his yellow card upgraded to red following a hit on Jesse Kriel.

The Kiwis played manfully, but despite South Africa having two players of their own yellow carded in the second half, were unable to edge ahead.

South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was named man of the match, was looking forward to the reaction back home in the Rainbow Nation.

"As a team, we like drama, we've been having drama for the last few years, so I think it helped us a lot as a team to cope with the drama and handle it. And I think it shows the resilience of this team, and the whole of South Africa as well," he said.

"We're honoured to be able to play for South Africa and the Springboks, and I know when we go back home it's going to be a warm welcome for us."

Israel Dagg, in Sky's studio, was one of many unhappy with referee Wayne Barnes and the other officials. Four yellow cards were issued (including Cane's which was upgraded by the TMO).

"This is our showpiece event that is being overshadowed by a couple of people, I had other names for them, that is just taking it into their own hands, taking the glory and gloss away from the players who have worked their absolute butts off to get out there," Dagg said.

"I'm honestly just fed up now. I know I'm going to sound like a sore loser here, but this is our showcase piece event that is being overshadowed by people out there in the middle, that is putting apprehension in the minds of our players and we've seen a snore-feast."

It's hard not to feel sorry for Cane, whose form leading into the decider was one of the reasons they were there.

Unfortunately, his poor tackle technique cost his side dearly.

"Extremely gutted and disappointed," he said.

"First of all the fact the boys had to play with 14 men for the last 50-odd minutes. The courage that they showed out there tonight was incredible, the whole team was absolute warriors.

"It's tough, I'd like to say well done to South Africa. Back-to-back. They've been a fantastic team and had a heck of a tough road to the final and showed time and time again they find a way to win. Well done South Africa."

NZ coach Ian Foster, who is now leaving his role, said his side gave everything.

"It's heartwrenching really. I saw a team that really wanted it. We gave everything. The red card really put us behind the eight-ball but I was just so proud of the way we hung in there and really fought our way back," he said.

He was asked by Sky's Jeff Wilson if he felt his side got the "rub of the green".

"Sadly in that first half we were pretty frustrated with a number of things that were happening. Finals football, you've got to make your own luck. We weren't getting any handed to us... so to come back and do what we did I thought speaks volumes where this group is at and how much we wanted it for the country."

Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins paid tribute to the team and their fans.

“Whether New Zealanders have shown their support in France or from back home, I know it has given the All Blacks the extra advantage that helped them come this far,” Hipkins said.

“Well done again to all those who made these efforts possible, from the players and coaching staff to their friends and whānau who have supported them all the way. It’s been incredible to see the team bounce back from that tough opening game against France and set the tournament alight.

“New Zealand looks forward to welcoming the team home and celebrating their achievements.”

"There's no way I can explain it in words. I want to give credit to the All Blacks, they took us to the end, they took us to a dark place. It just shows what kind of team they are to fight with a man down early in the game, they put us under pressure.

"But credit to my boys, too, for that fight. I'm just grateful we could pull it off."