Johannesburg - The heroic Springboks were welcomed back to home soil on Monday by a variety of fans reflecting the popularity of the world champions across the country.

The national rugby team clinched the third Tri-Nations title after beating New Zealand 32-29 in Hamilton on Saturday.

Fans clapped and whistled as the team made their way to a podium erected at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Support

Among the supporters was Britney De Freitas who travelled from Boksburg with her mother and sisters to get an autograph for their dad.

"We came to get them to sign my dad's book," she said, adding that Springbok captain John Smit did his grade one at the same primary school she attended.

Others came from Pretoria and Lenasia to catch a glimpse of their heroes. They sang Pieter Koen's "Eina Eina" as they waited.

Another supporter was Alex Dube, who left work at the East Rand Mall early to beat the traffic in order to see his sporting idols.

President Jacob Zuma said the SA Rugby team was "simply the best".

"They make us proud... those countries that come to play them think twice before any game. I can't remember a Boks team that beat New Zealand in succession, proving once more that indeed we are the best," he said as the crowd roared in approval.

Success

Before speaking, Zuma was presented with a team blazer. He removed his own jacket and put it on. Smit also presented him with a number three jersey.

"Its been a phenomenal couple of weeks, we really appreciate the support we are getting," Smit said.

SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins also congratulated the team, saying they performed well.

"We are really happy. We knew it would be difficult because beating the All Blacks is always difficult... but we did it."

Meanwhile, ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema was not at the Springboks' reception. He would be addressing the party's national working committee instead, league spokesperson Floyd Shivambu said.

Welcoming the national athletics team, including gold medallist Caster Semenya, back on August 25, Malema questioned the absence of white faces, saying they would have been at the airport in large numbers had it been the Springboks arriving.