Later Career
Following victories in pool play over England, Manu Samoa, and Tonga and a quarter-final win over Fiji and semi-final victory against Argentina, du Randt and his South African teammates found themselves in a rematch against defending champions England in the final. The favoured Springboks dethroned England 15–6 in a hard-fought final, with Os playing all 80 minutes which included one bullocking run in the first half. He joined Australians Dan Crowley, John Eales, Tim Horan, Phil Kearns, and Jason Little as the only players to play on two Rugby World Cup-winning teams.
Prior to the final, Os as the man of the match in the semi-final win against Argentina was entrusted with bringing the Springbok mascot, Bokkie to the final. But Bokkie, the small, cuddly, toy springbok replica, failed to make it to the Stade de France on Saturday night as Os had forgot to pack it. Big Os, probably overcome with emotion at the thought of his last Test match for South Africa, forgot to pack the cuddly toy, much to the horror of his skipper,John Smit.
Du Randt was the last active member of the South African 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and retired as South Africa's third most-capped player ever and most-capped forward. He missed the 2003 tournament through injury but his comeback to help lead the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup is a fairy tale achievement.
When interviewed, du Randt said "I would have to say that I never thought I would bow out in a World Cup final, when I called it a day in 2000. To begin with a world title and to finish with another would be a real accomplishment, a memory that I will cherish for ever. I dedicate this to my best friend, Alex."
When questioned about his teammate, fellow Springbok prop CJ van der Linde said "Os is a legend in South African rugby. Even little children know who he is. His name will be mentioned for many years still," Van der Linde said. We do not realise what impact he makes. One day, when he is old, we will know what great work he did for South Africa and what a leader he was."
Following the victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final, Os announced his international retirement from the Springboks.
Du Randt returned to the sport for the 2009 Currie Cup season as a scrum coach for the Free State Cheetahs. In 2010, he took on the same position with the Springboks.
Read more about this topic: Os Du Randt
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