Watch Johnny Redelinghuys career come to end in hilarious style with the retiring prop living every prop's dream and taking the last kick of Namibia's World Cup campaign
The Rugby World Cup has produced some magical moments so far and Johnny Redelinghuys remarkable career came to a rather spectacular, or some could say unspectacular fashion end, on Sunday night as he lived out every prop’s dream and took a conversion attempt for Namibia.
Redlinghuys pre-kick stance resembled that of Jonny Wilkinson’s – however unfortunately for the prop – the end result did not quite measure up to one of Wilko’s conversions! Redlinghuys was honoured in his final game, walking alongside Argentina’s Martin Landajo ahead of kick-off. Both men were playing in their 50th game. However this would be Redelinghuys last.
Argentina were in cruise control all game, amassing nine tries as some of their fringe players showed Daniel Hourcade what they have to offer ahead of the quarter-final meeting with Ireland. They won the game comfortably 64-19 but today was all about Redelinghuys.
Namibia were down to 14 men but mustered up enough strength and tenacity with a late try when the ball was retrieved and Eugene Jantjies went over. Theuns Kotze had successfully converted Namibia’s first two tries, and you would have expected him to step up again. However the King Power stadium roared when Kotze handed Redelinghuys the opportunity.
Much to the crowds delight, he stepped up to the tee but hilariously his kick fell just short but that did not matter – Redelinghuys was lifted off the field in a moment which captured another golden moment in the tournament.
The prop said afterwards:
“I was afraid to take it at first, but my friend [teammate Theuns] Kotze convinced me and it was a good feeling,
“It almost went over, I was a bit nervous. My first conversion attempt ever and may I say the closest one ever.
“It was the fly-half [Kotze], he’s a big mate of mine and he’s the kicker so he initiated it.
“To get 50 caps is a great honour and it’s been a great tournament, my best of the three so far. I’ve really enjoyed it, but I’m retiring now.
“I’m 31. I can go on, I have a lot of rugby in me, but I need to spend some time with the family. I am at an amateur club back in Namibia, but I have a business and family to attend to.”
Fantastic scenes.