Os – We’re ready to go to war

Springbok living legend Os Du Randt talks about the great team spirit in the current Bok side and the belief amongst the players that they can win the World Cup.

“Obviously I’m not as young as I used to be, but I’m happy with where I’m at. At the end of the day you have to go and produce the goods on the playing field,” Du Randt told Rugby365.

“In 1995 I was a youngster in the team. Back then I had not even earned my Free State colours – I was still learning the trade.

“Now it is exactly the opposite. I’m more senior, I’m in a leadership role, guiding the guys and take pressure off them in terms of what to expect and what our goals are. So far our campaign is very good, we are starting to bond very well and gel as a unit.

“We feel like we are ready to go to war for each other. Slowly but surely there’s a strong self belief developing around this team – not just the players, but the team in general.

“The guys are beginning to realise we can win the World Cup. As I’ve always said, if you don’t believe in something, you won’t work towards that goal and you can see that as a big positive in this team.

“When I think back to ’95, we also trained very hard and lived rugby. We suffered together and the guys learned to take care of each other. If somebody suffered, he wasn’t left to his own devices, the guys would go back, help that player and motivate him. We really supported each other.

“Under these circumstances you can see who has guts, who has more talent.

“I already see that same unity developing here at our training camp in Cape Town. The guys are respecting each other.

“That’s why I feel in the next few weeks it will be vital that we build on this brotherly love within the team, something that you only get through suffering together, working hard together,” concluded Du Randt.

Photo (c) Canterbury Rugby