36 matches in 42 days: South African chases Guinness World Record at Rugby World Cup

    By Jarrett Bellini, CNN

    Updated 0837 GMT (1637 HKT) September 27, 2019

    South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.
    Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures
    South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.
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    Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.
    Photos: Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures
    Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.
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    South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.
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    South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.
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    Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.
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    Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.
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    Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.
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    Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.
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    New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.
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    New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.
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    The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.
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    The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.
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    Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.
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    Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.
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    Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.
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    Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.
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    Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.
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    Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.
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    Japan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.
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    Japan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.
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