Springboks deserve to be the most successful Rugby World Cup ...

The All Blacks will remain the most recognised brand in global rugby, despite their 12-11 loss to the Springboks in the World Cup final in Paris.

But the Springboks deserve to be classed as the best in the world after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time.

Just like their 2019 tournament victory in Japan, the Springboks reached the summit the hard way, having survived an early setback in their campaign.

They were handed a narrow defeat in the group stage, losing 13-8 to Ireland in a gripping contest that meant the Springboks finished runner-up in Pool B.

This pitted them against host nation France in the quarterfinals, yet Jacques Nienaber's troops prevailed 29-28 to silence a parochial Stade de France crowd.

Another one-point victory followed in the semifinals, with the Springboks trailing England until the 78th minute before Handrè Pollard coolly landed a penalty goal to ice a 16-15 triumph.

In the final, the All Blacks' cause was not helped by captain Sam Cane being handed a red card late in the first half, reducing his side to 14 players for the remainder of the match.

 Sam Cane was left to watch from the sidelines after being given a red card in the first half.(Getty Images: Julian Finney)

But Cane's dismissal doesn't mean an asterisk will sit alongside the Springboks' name in the record books, as their win was deserved for so many reasons.

They built scoreboard pressure on the back of the All Blacks' indiscretions, with Pollard's right boot landing four penalty goals.

At one stage they led 12-3, forcing the All Blacks to play catch-up rugby, which they valiantly did as they cut back the Springboks' lead to just a point.

The Springboks kept their noses in front despite trailing their opponents in the territory and possession stakes, constructing their win on the back of grit and commitment in defence.

This was illustrated in back rower Pieter-Steph du Toit getting through a mountain of work on the defensive side of the ball, compiling 28 tackles in a player-of-the-match performance.

In fact, eight Springboks players completed more tackles than the All Blacks' best, hooker Codie Taylor (11 tackles).

The Springboks' display was not without fault, as they conceded 10 penalties to the All Blacks' five and had skipper Siya Kolisi and winger Cheslin Kolbe off the field via yellow cards at various stages of the second half.

Kolbe's departure could have been particularly costly as he was sent from the field in the 73rd minute, meaning both sides finished the final a player down, but the Springboks grimly held on under immense pressure from the All Blacks.

The Springboks were overcome with emotion following the full-time whistle.(Getty Images: Chris Hyde)

What must also be highlighted about the Springboks' win is the fact they were not the most dominant team during the four-year World Cup cycle.

It was the same case in the build-up to their 2019 victory.

The back-to-back wins prove they have perfected the art of peaking at the right time, a point that should be noted by their international rivals.

For example, Ireland — among many observers — entered the World Cup as the favourite to win, yet fell short in the quarterfinals.

It was the fourth consecutive World Cup in which the Irish failed to advance from the last eight, despite having the talent to at least reach the final on each occasion.

Given its passion for rugby borders along the lines of religious fervour, New Zealand will no doubt enter a period of soul searching after the agonising loss to its greatest rival.

The merit of Cane's red card will also be argued about at length, with All Blacks coach Ian Foster contributing to the debate during the post-match media conference.

But the All Blacks produced an effort that should make their legion of supporters proud.

They could have easily fallen into a heap after Cane left the field in the 29th minute, first through a yellow card that was subsequently upgraded to red after he made contact with the head of Springboks centre Jesse Kriel.

An All Blacks' win would have given Foster a fairytale exit, after he chose not to reapply for the role beyond the World Cup following a turbulent stint in charge.

Ian Foster came so close to guiding the All Blacks to victory in Paris.(Getty Images: Michael Steele)

It would have also provided Foster with the ultimate 'up yours' moment, given the lack of faith shown in him by administrators and fans during the All Blacks' disappointing 2022 season.

Scott Robertson will take the reins, with victory at the 2027 World Cup in Australia his key focus.

Robertson's incredible run of success with the Crusaders, in addition to his lengthy list of other coaching achievements, means the All Blacks can expect to again be contenders in four years' time.

But given the Springboks have rightfully earned the status of World Cup specialists, who is going to rule out a third straight win for the Rainbow Nation?