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Cape Town - Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has come out on top as the most popular rugby player in the country after leading his side to the Rugby World Cup title.
The Human Sciences Research Council conducted a four-day sentiment analysis following the Springboks' triumph in Japan to assess the impact it had on the country and its residents.
The survey interviewed 6 945 respondents using the Moya Messenger platform and the findings were then published on the BizCommunity website.
When respondents were asked to name their favourite player, it was skipper Kolisi that dominated with 49% of the vote.
He was followed by wingers Cheslin Kolbe (14%) and Makazole Mapimpi (9%), while prop Tendai Mtawarira was fourth favourite (8%).
The Springboks made history earlier this month when they annihilated England 32-12 in the final in Yokohama to lift their third Webb Ellis Cup following wins in 1995 and 2007.
And that result made the majority of those who took the survey "happy" (65%), while 16.1% said they felt "proud" with the result achieved by the Springboks.
Despite the respondents delight with the win, only 39% regularly watch rugby and 38% said they watch the sport sometimes.
READ | Pieter-Steph still in disbelief at World Cup triumph
88% of the respondents of the survey revealed that sport adds to their sense of belonging to South Africa while 85% believe that sport can help South Africa to deal with xenophobia and racism.
- Compiled by Lynn Butler
