England went from producing one of their best Rugby World Cup displays to one of their worst and coach Eddie Jones conceded a possible link.
He might have played internationally for England, but Kevin Pietersen was among those to laud South Africa's Rugby World Cup final victory.
Siya Kolisi lifting the Rugby World Cup as South Africa's first black captain means everything to his country, says Handre Pollard.
Sam Underhill and Tom Curry had been in dominant form for England at the World Cup and Duane Vermeulen knew they had to be stopped.
England fly-half George Ford said it was a "hard one to take" after his side suffered a 32-12 defeat to South Africa in the RWC final.
Eddie Jones felt England were never really able to get into the game as "magnificent" South Africa dominated the World Cup final.
A proud Rassie Erasmus felt South Africa's team cohesion was a vital factor in their Rugby World Cup triumph.
After leading South Africa to victory in the Rugby World Cup final, Siya Kolisi highlighted the impact the win could have on his nation.
Errors replaced excellence for England as a dominant South Africa sealed a third Rugby World Cup and a triumph of symbolic significance.
England's shock loss in the Rugby World Cup final was not the first occasion when a showpiece went dramatically against expectations.