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The only Boks player to beat England in two World Cup finals is feeling emotional

Damian de Allende, Handre Pollard and Frans Steyn celebrate South Africa's World Cup final victory (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Replacement Frans Steyn only played the closing minutes of the 2019 World Cup final but the 2007 winner was thrilled to bridge the 12-year gap since South Africa last ruled the rugby world.

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The 32-year-old, who started the pool matches versus Namibia and Canada at the finals in Japan, dedicated his involvement from the bench in the decider to his family.

It’s amazing of course,” he said, reflecting on life since that previous World Cup final win by South Africa over England in 2007. “I’ve gone through so much since that World Cup.

“I lost my uncle a couple of weeks ago. I lost my brother a few years ago. So everything has changed a lot in that time from where I was then to where I am now.

“So on the bus on the way here, that’s what I was thinking about. They were with me in here before tonight’s game.”

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Sizing up the difference between the twin triumphs, he added: “I’m older now compared to these guys who are younger. I don’t think it has hit them what they have done yet. But it will when they get home.

“I’m in a WhatsApp group with the players from that (2007) tournament. We still stay in touch and have a laugh. That’s the sort of thing these guys will have too.

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“It [winning] is huge, as the country is in a worse position now than it was then. There have been numerous droughts recently and a ton of other stuff. Hopefully, it can bring the country together.”

WATCH: RugbyPass encountered some rowdy fans following South Africa’s win over England  

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M
MA 3 hours ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..

If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.


My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.


ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.


Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.


Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.


It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.


So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.


After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.


Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.


Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.

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