Part 4 and people must be getting tired but we almost there. 

40. Bismarck Du Plessis (Hooker) 7 July 2007-

Du Plessis has firmly established himself as a tough as nails hooker in the mould of the Boks of old. His ever improving performances have given both Sharks and Springbok selectors a headache when it comes to choosing between himself and John Smit. Already third on the most capped Bok hokers list and with youth on his side, Bismarck will be the first choice hooker post World cup and beyond.

39. Boy Louw (Prop) 18 Aug 1928-10 Sep 1938

He made his debut at lock back in 1928 against New Zealand, but Boy (Matthys Michael Louw) was such a versatile player that he was picked and played at Eightman, flank and prop for the Springboks. A dedicated student of the game and the laws, Louw played most (13) of his 18 Test matches for the Boks at Loose Head Prop.

38. Rob Louw (Flank) 26 Apr 1980-27 Oct 1984

The blond WP loose forward is remembered as a mobile flanker; with enough pace, ball handling and game reading ability to put most centres to shame. He scored five tries for the Boks, including two memorable touchdowns against the Lions in the 1980 series win. Louw had a habit of popping up all over the pitch, and was as much loved off the field as he was on it.

37. Gerrie Germishuys (Wing) 22 Jun 1974-20 Sep 1981

With his receding hairline, Gerrie Germishuys might have fooled opposing defenders into thinking he was getting on in years but he had sublime pace and his 12 tries (including a famous one against the All Blacks in 1981) still see him in the Bok top 20 try scorers of all time. He played alongside greats like Danie Gerber, Naas Botha and Gysie Pienaar, and was never a weak link.

36. Rassie Erasmus (Flank) 5 Jul 1997-23 June 2001

A veteran of 36 Test Rassie Erasmus was a critical member of the first Bok team to win the Tri Nations, in 1998. He scored seven tries, skippered the Boks on one occasion and is acknowledged as having one of the best rugby brains of his generation. His tactical approach to the game helped him to a successful coaching career with Free State and the Stormers, and he is currently part of the Boks’ technical coaching team

35. Kobus Wiese (Lock) 26 Jun 1993-15 Dec 1996

Wiese was a giant lock who relished physical confrontation. These days he’s in the mix as a mild mannered rugby commentator, but who could forget the Test in 1995 when Wiese knocked Welsh player and line out go to guy Derwyn Jones out with a punch in the 4^th minute. Wiese was also a member of the 1995 RWC squad and played in 5 matches.

34. Jan Ellis (Flank) 31 Jul 1965-24 Jul 1976

Another outspoken Springbok, Jan Ellis’ comments often attracted attention for the wrong reasons. However, on the rugby field he formed a legendary flank partnership with Piet Greyling that lasted for 25 Test. Of the two, Ellis was the faster more powerful, roving flank, and his record of seven tries in 38 Test (For a forward) stood until Mark Andrews broke it in 1997.

33. Hennie Muller (Eightman) 16 July 1949-26 Sept 1953

Nicknamed “Windhond” legend has it that Hennie Muller was the fastest forward ever to wear a Bok jersey. His defensive forocity and exceptional pace often disrupted the linking play between the opposition’s forwards and backs. He captained the Boks in nine Test (winning Eight) and his exploits on the rugby pitch ensured his place in the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

32. Mof Myburgh (Prop) 23 Jun 1962-12 Sep 1970

In his day, Mof (Johannes Lodwikus) Myburgh was considered a pwerhouse, and he often outmuscled his opponents. In a set piece where locks always get more credit than props, the line out-Myburgh was an invaluable asset to his teammates. Myburgh was part of a pretty formidable Bok team, which included Mannetjies Roux, John Gainsford, Doug Hopwood and his bosom friend, Frik du Preez.

31. Bakkies Botha (Lock) 9 Nov 1999-

Widely known as “The Enforcer”, Botha’s nickname speaks for itself. Hugely physical, he often ends up at the wrong end of a referee’s whistle, but that doesn’t stop him from always giving 100%. Respected and feared by opponents in equal measure, Botha is staunch on defence, destroys at the breakdown, and when paired with Victor Matfield, unparalleled in the line-out. He nees to play just three more Test to be the second most capped Bok lock behinkd Victor Matfield.

30. Balie Swart (Prop) 31 Jul 1993-3 Aug 1996

Swart was a key member of the 1995 RWC winning squad and held his own in the toughest encounters. Renowned for his scrummaging ability, Swart always gave opposing front rankers a torrid time-he was also able to play on both sides of the scrum. He later went on to assist in the Bok coaching set up and also worked for SA Rugby, assisting coaches and referees with scrum laws.

29. Chester Williams (Wing) 13 Nov 1993-26 Nov 2000

Despite missing much of the tournament due to injury, Chester was one of the stars of the 95 RWC. The first Bok player of colour since Errol Tobias and Avril Williams in the 80′s, he also became the first Bok to score four tries in a match, which he did in the Western Samoa RWC Quarter Final. Before succumbing to chronic knee injuries he was a world class finisher and scored 20 Test Tries.

28. Henry Honiball (Flyhalf) 21 Aug 1993-4 Nov 1999

With 27 of his Test Caps earned at pivot, “Lem” is the thrid most capped Bok flyhalf. Honiball is regarded as one of the greatest running and defensive flyhalves in SA rugby history, and was best known for his bone crunching tackles. Pinpoint distribution and vision were also part of his arsenal, and his nickname, which means “blade” in Afrikaans refers to his ability to cut through defences.

27. James Small (Wing) 15 Aug 1992-6 Dec 1997

Small had a notorious short fuse, which made for a very temperamental player. His natural ability couldn’t be denied, however and he was part of the 95 RWC winning squad, successfully marking Jonah Lomu on defence, which was no “small” feat. At domestic level, he won three Currie cups and was the top try scorer of the 1996 Super 12 competition.

26. Ruben Kruger (Flank) 6 Nov 1993-4 Nov 1999

Kruger, the “Silent assassin”, was named the SA Rugby Player of the Year in 1995, the same year the Boks won the World Cup, which was a testament to his phenomenal contribution in the victorious campaign. In 2000 tragedy struck, when after being carried off the field due to a hard knock, it was discovered that Kruger had a brain tumour. Barely 10 years later, the cancerous tumour caused his untimely death.

25. Jean de Villiers (Centre) 9 Nov 2002-

Master of the intercept, Jean de Villiers possesses the uncanny ability to create tries against the run of play. Despite suffering a number of serious injuries in his career, he holds the record for the most Test by a Bok centre (51). In the Boks’ opening 2007 RWC game against Samoa he suffered a torn bicep that ruled him out of the tournament. He bounced back a year later, when he was named SA rugby Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year.

24. Jaque Fourie (Centre) 11 Oct 2003-

Along with Stormers teammate Jean de Villiers, Fourie is part of SA rugby’s most capped centre pairing. In 2009, Fourie was named as the winner of the IRB Try of the Year for his match and series winning try against the British & Irish Lions, when he came on as a late replacement and steamrolled over Ronan O Gara and two more defenders to score. Currently Fourie is third on the Bok all time scorers list with 30 tries.

23. Juan Smith (Flank) 7 June 2003-

The Free State favourite is the most capped Bok flank of all time, having played 56 Test in that position (he’s also played a couple at no 8). He’s regarded as one of the world’s best blindside flankers, and he always stamps his authority on the field with his physical presence and formidable defence. Smith’s versatility also makes him a dependable line out jumper, and a workhorse at the breakdown. He was part of the 2007 RWC winning squad.

22. Ray Mordt (Wing) 26 Apr 1980-27 Oct 1984

Remembered as one of the more powerful Bok wings, Mordt scored a hat trick against the All Blacks in the infamous “flour bomb” test in Auckland. He first played provincial rugby for Rhodesia before moving to Transvaal and then Northern Transvaal. As a Springbok he was a prolific try scorer, dotting down 12 times in just 18 Test-these included the aforementioned hat trick as well as another trio of tries in the 1981 Test against the USA.

21. Morne Du Plessis (Eightman) 17 Jul 1971-8 Nov 1980

Morne du Plessis played during the height of international isolation, and made the most of the playing opportunities he was afforded. A natural leader; he was Bok captain in 15 Test, 13 of which SA won-these included Series victories against both the British Lions and the All Blacks. During the 95 RWC he was the Springbok manager, and his leadership skills helped unify the side. For his contribution to the game he was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 1999.

20. Gary Teichmann (Eightman) 2 Sep 1995-10 Jul 1999

His humility and courage ensured Gary Teichmann’s status as one of the great gentleman of the game and a true ambassador of the sport. The Boks fourished under the eightman’s leadership-he was a man of few words, who opted to lead by example rather by talking. He remains the most capped no8 in Springbok history, having played all 42 Test at the back of the scrum. During Teichmann’s reign as skipper the Springboks won 26 of 36 matches, including a world record-equalling 17 Test unbeaten streak. He led the Boks in the three Test series against the British & Irish Lions in 1997, to a then record 61-22 drubbing of Australia, a 52-10 thrashing of France in Paris, a 29-11 victory over England at Twickenham and a 68-10 pasting of Scotland at Murrayfield that same year. In 1998, SA shut out Ireland 33-0, crushed Wales 96-13 and won their first ever Tri Nations title in a unbeaten campaign that included an historic 13-3 win over new Zealand in Wellington. Teichmann enjoyed a brilliant individual season that year as well and was rewarded by being named SA Player of the Year. He was a prominent ball carrier, a tenacious defender and a solid option in the line out. In 1999 Teichmann was controversially dropped from the squad shortly before the World Cup, a decision that marked the beginning of the end of his career and one that then coach Nick Mallett later admitted had been a mistake.

19. HO De Villiers (Fullback) 15 Jul 1967-24 Jan 1970

HO de Villiers is widely regarded as the man who revolutionised fullback play with his willingness to attack at all times in an era when fullbacks were expected to kick the ball whenever they were in possession. He was a natural talent with loads of physical ability and courage, and has gone down in the annals of SA rugby as one of the greatest fullbacks of all time.

18. Andre Venter (Flanker) 17 Aug 1996-1 Dec 2001

Venter-joined second in the list of most capped Bok flankers was known as an impressive carrier of the ball who had deceptive pace. He relished the physical aspect of the game and was known as a brutal defender. His remarkable conditioning and unrivalled fitness is the stuff of legend, with many considering him the fittest ever Springbok.

17. Mannetjies Roux (Centre) 3 Dec 1960-12 Sep 1970

The great Doc Craven said of the midfield star: “With Mannetjies Roux on your side, you could take on the world.” In a career that spanned 10 years, Roux was a Bok Mainstay, terrorising opponents with his great pace and ferocious defence, despite his lack of size. He played in 27 Test and scored six tries during his Bok Career.

16. Bryan Habana (Wing) 20 Nov 2004-

Habana’s scintillating pace, flair and unpredictability make him one of the game’s most elusive attackers. He often creates something out of nothing, an attribute that saw him become the joint top try scorer in a single World Cup (Eight in 07) and the Boks’ joint best with 38 tries. Habana was the SA Player of the Year in ’05 and ’07, and the IRB Player of the Year ’07.

Part 3 of the Top 100 Springboks of all time.

60. Pieter Muller (Centre) 15 Aug 1992- 4 Nov 1999

Muller made his debut alongside Danie Gerber, and the two gelled immediately. The four year gap in Muller’s Springbok career (94-98) saw him miss the 95 RWC but upon his return he slotted seamlessly into No 12 spot once more.

59. Stefan Terblanche (Wing) 13 Jun 1998-24 Oct 2003

Rated as one of the best finishers during his prime, Stefan Terblanche scored four tries on his debut against Ireland. The following year he managed five against Italy.

58. Louis Moolman (Lock) 27 Aug 1977-31 May 1986

Marked out on the field by his distinctive beard, Louis Moolman was a strong scrummager and ball-carrier. The Blue Bulls legend also rarely came off second best at the line out, whether he ws playing for his country or his province.

57. Gysie Pienaar (Fullback) 3May 1980-12 Sep 1981

Father to Ruan, Gysie was the SA Rugby Player of the Year 1980, and undoubtedly one of the Springbok greats. As Doc Craven’s memoirs record, Gysie will always be remembered for running the 1980 British Lions into the ground.

56. Dawie de Villiers (Scrumhalf) 21 Jul 1962-12 Sep 1970

Captain in 22 Test, Dawie de Viliers earned his place on the Twickenham Wall of Fame when, at the end of the 1969-70 Tour, he was hoisted onto the shoulders of Barbarians players and carried off the pitch, in honour of a great Springbok victory.

55. Divan Serfontein (Scrumhalf) 31 May 1980-27 Oct 1984

SA Rugby Player of the Year 1982. divan was a lightning quick scrumhalf, with the ability to clear the scrum in the blink of an eye, and draw the entire defence before sending his line away.

54. Hennie Le Roux (Centre, Flyhalf) 26 Jun 1993-15 Dec 1996

As a member of the 95 RWC winning squad, Hennie Le Roux fetured in all the Springboks’ matches throughout the campaign. He started his Bok career at flyhalf, but shone when he moved to inside centre,especially when paired with japie Mulder.

53. Tiaan Strauss (Eightman) 17 Oct 1992-15 Oct 1994

Player of the Year 1992. Tiaan Strauss was a fan favourite at Newlands, as well as in the Green and Gold, until he defected to Australia, where he played for the Wallabies in 11 Test.

52. Hannes Marias (Prop) 24 Aug 1963-30 Nov 1974

Hannes was a great servant of the national team and captained the Boks in 11 Test, including “The Invincibles” during their 1971 Tour of Australia. After retirment, he went on to become a National Selector.

51. Jannie Engelbrecht (Wing) 30 Apr 1960-16 Aug 1969

Jannie Engelbrecht was known as a powerful elusive runner with pace to burn, that he could change in the blink of an eye. His nose for the try-line ensured that he crossed the whitewash plenty of times throughout his career.

50. James Dalton (Hooker) 8 Oct 1994-23 Nov 2002

James “Bullet” Dalton may not have been the biggest guy on the field, but he was almost always the toughest. He never shied away from physicality, and was one of the earliest mobile hookers around, also possessing superb ball handling skills.

49. Japie Mulder (Centre) 23 Jul 1994-30 Jun 2001

A powerful running centre and solid on defender; Japie Mulder is one of only a handful of players who can claim to have single-handedly stopped Jonah Lomu in his tracks, when he tackled him into touch in the 95 RWC Final.

48. John Gainsford (Centre) 30 Apr 1960-29 Jul 1967

John was best known for his physical approach to the game, rock solid defence and exciting line breaks. Gainsford was the catalyst for some of the most classic tries in Springbok history. He plyed to win, and it showed.

47. Pieter Rossouw (Wing) 28 Jun 1997-28 Jun 2003

Pieter “Slaptjips” Rossouw was an intercept specialist and one of the tallest wings ever to don a Springbok jersey. He’s also a member of the elite “four try “ club, which he joined by scoring four times against France in 1997.

46. Syd Nomis (Wing) 12 Aug 1967-3 Jun 1972

Renowned for his flair, unusial in those days, Syn Nomis started his career at centre but established himself as a wing thanks to his speed and agility. Nomis was also inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

45. Joel Stransky (Flyhalf) 31 Jul 1993-31 Aug 1996

Stransky will forever be remembered as the flyhalf who kicked the winning drop goal in 1995 RWC final. He’s also the first Springbok to score in all four ways in a Test, with a try, conversion, four penalties and a drop goal, in the Boks 95 RWC opener against Australia.

44. Bob Skinstad (Eightman, Flank) 29 Nov 1997-14 Oct 2007

Bobby represented SA at all levels including the Springbok U21 side, SA Sevens, as well as the Springboks. His charisma made him just as popular off the field as on it, and he captained the Springboks in 12 games.

43. Breyton Paulse (Wing) 12 Jun 1999-14 Jul 2007

SA Rugby Player of the Year 2000. Breyton Paulse scored a hat trick in his Test debut against Italy and boast 26 career tries for the Springboks. Best known for his pace, his evasive running and his celebratory back flip after scoring a try.

42. Danie Craven (Scrumhalf) 5 Dec 1931-10 Sep 1938

You’d be hard pressed to find another individual who has served SA rugby as faithfully as Doc Craven. Inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame, Craven was a rugby genius and successfully made the shift from player to coach and administrator. He lived for the game.

41. Errol Tobias (Flyhalf) 30 May 1981-27 Oct 1984

In a different era, Errol Tobias would have earned more Bok caps. He earned his call up on merit and paved the way for players of colour during apartheid. Tobias scored 22 points in six Test (all victories)-one try, four penalties and three conversions.

 Part 2 of the TOP 100 Boks continues…

80. Wahl Bartmann (Flank) 10 May 1986-24 Oct 1992

Wahl Bartmann was a special player, a powerful flanker with an excellent knack for positional play. He made up one third of the famous Bartmann brothers (Wahl, Leon and Francois) who all played for Transvaal at one time or another.

79. Andre Snyman (Centre) 17 Aug 1996-17 Jun 2006

Snyman made a few appearances at wing, but was at his best when he played outside centre. His decade long career was punctuated by serious injury, but his attacking and defensive prowess ensured he didn’t disappear into obscurity.

78. AJ Venter (Flank) 26 Nov 2000-9 Sep 2006

AJ could slot in at lock thanks to his height and solid line out ability, but he was a swift and powerful player;better suited to the flank. He was a tough as nails back rower who enjoyed the physical nature of rugby.

77. Michael Du Plessis (Centre) 20 Oct 1984-2 Sep 1989

Du Plessis was unpredictable, but well loved by his home crowd at Western Province. He was an extremely creative player, and was considered an artist on the pitch, with ball in hand.

76. Wynand Claasen (Eightman) 30 May 1981-3 Apr 1982

Wynand skippered the Boks during the infamous tour to New Zealand in 1981. He was a tireless workhorse on the field and played a vital role in many matches for Natal (Sharks) and the internationally maligned Springboks of the early 1980′s

75. Butch James (Flyhalf) 16 June 2001-

Butch remains the most capped flyhalf (32) in Springbok history. He has a reputation as a dangerous tackler and is injury prone, but when firing on all cylinders, he’s a world class flyhalf, as demonstrated throughout SA’s 2007 RWC campaign.

74. Pieter Hendriks (Wing) 15 Aug 1992-31 Aug 1996

Reasonably adept at sidestepping, Hendricks managed to bamboozle the great goose-stepping David Campese in the opening game of the 1995 RWC with a cleverly executed step. Later on in the tournament he was suspended for 90 days after the notorious “Battle of Boet Erasmus”

73. Pierre Spies (Eightman) 15 Jul 2006-

In 2005 Pierre Spies was the youngest player (19) to make his Super 12 debut for the Bulls and also featured prominently in their victorious 2007, 2009 and 2010 Super 14 campaigns. He has a promising future ahead of him for both the Bulls and Boks.

72. Gert Smal (Flank) 10 May 1986-2 Sep 1989

Smal was an accomplished player, representing the SA Gazelles, Western Province and SADF along the way. His Bok career was limited (during the height of SA’s international isolation) but he went to pursue a remarkably successful coaching career with the Boks and Ireland.

71. Corne Krige (Flank) 19 Jun 1999-8 Nov 2003

Captain Courageous, Corne Krige hardly played a match without emerging with battle scars, which left little doubt about his intensity and work rate. He captained the Boks in 18 Test, including his debut, in which the Springboks thrashed Italy 101-0

70. Johan Heunis (Fullback) 12 Sep 1981-2Sep 1989

SA Rugby Player of the Year 1989. Naas Botha once described Johan as “an ideal teammate in any crisis situation”. Without a doubt on the Springbok greats at fullback.

69. Moaner van Heerden (Lock) 13 Jul 1974-8 Nov 1980

SA Rugby Player of the Year 1977, Moaner was a rough and tough, often accused of being dirty, but his work ethic on the field was undeniable. He was a strong ball carrier and a safe bet in the line outs.

68 Robbie Kempson (Prop) 20 Jun 1998-2 Aug 2003

Throughout his career, which included 37 Test Matches for the Springboks, Robbie diligently went about his business. He attracted his fair share of controversy along the way, but remains of the more memorable SA front rowers.

67. Jan Boland Coetzee (Flank) 8 Jun 1974-18 Sep 1976

Jan Boland was a classic fetcher. He was a hard man, and one of his more famous opponents on the rugby field-boxer Kallie Knoetze-retrospectively cited one of Coetzee’s punches as the hit that hurt him most in his career.

66. Adrian Garvey (Prop) 9 Nov 1996-10 Oct 1999

Size, strength, speed-Garvey had it all, as his nickname “Turbo Prop” would suggest. Originally from Zimbabwe, he was a crucial member of the Springbok squad that rode the crest of 17 successive victories.

65. Cobus Visagie (Prop) 12 Jun 1999-28 June 2003

Specialist Tighthead prop Visagie served the Boks well in his 29 Test appearances. Visagie was a WP stalwart, helping them win four Currie Cups. He was also a key member of the Springbok team that reached the 99 WC semifinal.

64. Morne Steyn (Flyhalf) 20 June 2009-

It’s still early days, but Morne Steyn already holds records for the most points(31) by a Springbok in a Test against New Zealand among others. And those records just keep mounting up.

63. Gurthro Steenkamp (Prop) 27 Nov 2004-

SARU Player of the Year 2010 Steenkamp did well for the Springboks until he broke his hand. After two years in recovery he regained his form and in 2010 helped the Bulls to Super 14 victory-and claimed the title of leading SA try scorer in the Tri Nations

62. Francois Steyn (Fullback, Centre) 11 Nov 2006-

Frans debuted at 19, and was a pivotal player in the 2007 RWC. He’s best known for his prodigious kicking boot. In the 2009 Tri Nations decider against New Zealand, he successfully kicked three penalties from within his own half.

61. Tendai Mtawarira (Prop) 14 Jun 2008-

Tendai is a crowd favourite, with chants of “Beeeeeaaassstt” resonating throughout stadiums whenever he carries the ball. With his citizenship sorted, the young powerhouse will have ample opportunity to cement his spot in Bok hall of Fame.

SI recently launched their best 100 Boks of all time. As we know, no list of this magnitude would be perfect and it was decided that the readers could vote for their nominees. For those that haven’t read the issue or seen the list I will do short post off all 100 inductees. Why?? Because I love the Springbok and what it represents:

100. Jannie De Beer (Flyhalf) 5 July 1997-30 Oct 1999

Kicker extraordinaire Jannie de Beer holds the world record for most drop goals(5) in a Test. Playing in the shadow of Henry Honiball marred his Springbok career, but when he got his chances he made the most of them.

99. Ian McCallum (Fullback) 25 July 1970-22 June 1974

During the early ’70s, Ian McCallum was known as the man with golden boot, thanks to his precise place-kicks at goal. His accurate boot lifted the Springboks to victory in the 1970 series against the All Blacks and during the 1971 tour of Australia.

98. Piet Visagie (Flyhalf) 15 July 1967-7Aug 1971

Piet Visagie, who hailed from the Griquas, had a near perfect kicking game; and although he seldom broke the line, when he did it usually led to tries. He scored six tries in his 25 Test appearances.

97. Abie Malan (Hooker) 16 Aug 1958-21 Aug 1965

Abie Malan was best known for his mobility, and easily ranks in the top echelon of mobile hookers ever to have donned the Green and Gold. Malan skippered the Boks for four Test Matches and is remembered as one of the grittiest players of his day.

96. Ryk van Schoor (Centre) 13 Aug 1949-29 Sep 1953

Renowned as a ferocious defender, outside-centre Ryk van Schoor was best known for tackling All Black captain Fred Allen out of the game in 1949 in Rhodesia-the stuff legends were made of in those days.

95. Tommy Bedford (Eightman) 13 July 1963-19 June 1971

Tommy Bedford captained the Springboks in three Test and his outspokenness often landed him in hot water, but on the pitch he got down to business. He was a breakdown specialist, with excellent cover defence despite his comparatively slender build.

94. Piet Greyling (Flank) 15 Jul 1967-3 June 1972

Piet Greyling (who scored two treis on debut against France) formed part of a fearsome pack of Springbok forwards that included the likes of Jan Ellis, Tommy Bedford and the great Frik du Preez, and he definitely held his own.

93. Jannie Breedt (Eightman) 10 May 1986-22 August 1992

SA Rugby Player of the Year in 1986. A stalwart for Transvaal(Lions), Jannie Breedt was a force to be reckoned with on and off the field, and he captained the Springboks in two test.

92. Bennie Osler (Flyhalf) 16 Aug 1924-2 Sep 1933

Inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2009, Bennie Osler was an attacking flyhalf and considered a genuis in his day. He was once described as “the greatest individual match winner and tactical master that South African rugby has ever produced”

91. Andre Vos (Eightman) 12 Jun 1999-1 Dec 2001

SA Rugby Player of the Year in 2001 and Super 12 Player of the Tournament 2001, Andre Vos was as adept at flank as he was at no 8. He captained the Springboks in 16 Test and had a reputation as a ferocious tackler.

90. Theuns Stofberg (Flank) 14 Aug 1976-9 June 1984

Theuns Stofberg was a strong flank who possessed remarkable pace for a man his size. He captained the Springboks in four Test and was vice captain during the infamous 1981 New Zealand tour, stepping in as skipper after Wynand Claassen was injured.

89. Joe van Niekerk (Eightman) 21 July 2001-

SA Rugby Player of the Year 2002, Big Joe has the distinction of being called up to the Springbok squad straight from the SA U21 team without having played any Super 12 or Currie Cup matches.

88. JP Pietersen (Wing) 9 Sept 2006-

JP Pietersen debuted at fullback, but played the rest of his Springbok games on the wing, thanks to his pace and finishing. Solid on defence and consistent on the pitch, he was part of the 2007 RWC winning squad.

87. Robbie Fleck (Centre) 12 Jun 1999-23 Nov 2002

Robbie Fleck relished the physical aspect of the game, but is also remembered for his fiery temperament and mischievous nature. When he fired on all cylinders, his powerful running, crashball ability, and aggressive defence combined to make him a world class centre.

86. Chris Koch (Prop) 13 Aug 1949-23 July 1960

Considering his last Test was played on 23 July 1960, it is a testament to Chris Koch’s ability that he still holds the record (jointly with Os du Randt and Gurthro Steenkamp) for the most Test tries by a prop(5)

85. Krynauw Otto (Lock) 30 May 1995-8 July 2000

Sa Rugby Young Player of the Year 1993. Otto played in the 1995 and 1999 RWC and held the Bok record for the most Test(25) as a lock pairing with Mark Andrews until the record was broken by Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

84. Doug Hopwood (Eightman) 30 Apr 1960-18 Sep 1965

Hopwood was plagued by back injuries throughout his career, but that didn’t stop him from putting in inspirational performances. His feats on the rugby field often had him mentioned in the same breath as the brilliant Frik du Preez.

83. Burger Geldenhyus (Flank) 29 Aug 1981-2 Sep 1989

Geldenhuys is infamous for punching NZ Cavaliers captain Andy Dalton so hard he broke his jaw. He was a Northern Transvaal hero and still hold the record as the most capped player in BB history, with 184 appearances, of which 54 were as captain.

82. Joggie Jansen (Centre) 25 Jul 1970-3 Jun 1972

On debut, Jansen executed a textbook, crunching tackle on Kiwi flyhalf Wayne Cottrell, which inspried the Boks to a win over the All Blacks, who were unbeaten in 10 tour matches at that stage. That single tackle cemented his place in the annals of Springbok greats.

81. Danie Rossouw (Lock, Utility Loose Forward) 11 Oct 2003-

Rossouw is a tough, versatile back rower who slots in just as easily at lock. He stepped up and put in the hard yards at no 8 at the 2007 RWC and is best remembered for his try-saving tackle in the final against England.

End of Part 1

To add some spice to yesterday afternoon’s post, I read in the latest SI a short interview between Angus Powers and Cheeky Watson, Kevin De Klerk and Jurie Roux:

Angus Powers: Why should the EP Kings play Super Rugby?

Cheeky Watson: The Eastern Cape needs to be in Super Rugby because of all the pillaging of players from this area. If you’re really interested in growing the game, the future of SA rugby is in the black population.

AP: How should the Kings be elevated to Super Rugby?

CW: The preferred mechanism is that the bottom placed South African team who have been given all the opportunities and have been aware of it for the last few years need to drop out.

AP: Will the Kings be competitive?

CW: If the Kings had a spot in the Currie Cup Premier Division, playing against the other five franchises in particular, that would be tremendous preparation for 2013.

AP: What about the team who drop out?

CW: The ideal scenario is that Sanzar is not so niggardly and South Africa has six franchises in the competition. Alternatively, if the team who drop out have been able to retain their sponsors because they’re playing in a competition where their players can perform at a high level, then promotion/relegation is not a problem. May the best team win.

AP: What are the Lions’ goals right now?

Kevin De Klerk: We want to finish right at the top of the Currie Cup this year; and with the acquisition of a few big players we’ll stake a much better claim in Super Rugby next year.

AP:Are the Lions recruiting?

KDK: We’re on a big drive, but it’s not easy. The senior players at other franchises are locked in. Their sides are doing well and there’s no way they’re going to move, unless you pour in big bucks, and that’s not the best way for a franchise to operate.

AP: Should the Kings get a free pass to Super rugby?

KDK: If you’re in a lower competition like the Vodacom Cup and jump right past Currie Cup into Super Rugby…it’s going to be a very tough call for that side to survive. A measure of reality needs to prevail. The difference between lower league sides and Super Rugby sides is vast. Super Rugby is no joke.

AP: What is your take on promotion/relegation?

KDK: My call would be to fight hard to get that sixth South African franchise instead of relegating. I would welcome the EP Kings as a sixth franchise. But I’d also welcome promotion/relegation. If I’m saying our side is better than the side coming up, let them play against us on a home and away basis, and let’s see what happens.

AP: When the Kings enter Super Rugby in 2013, will they be elevated at the expense of the lowers ranked SA team, or after a promotion/relegation play-off? Is there a time frame for finalising this decision?

Jurie Roux: SARI are hosting a workshop with the provinces at the end of June, when these questions and mechanisms-among others-will be on the agenda. But until the provinces have done their work, I think it would be unfair of anyone within SARU to comment.

Load of bull crap if you ask me. It is clear that they will use the Kings as a political inclusion and I am sorry but this type of treachery is not on. The SI issue also has the 100 Best Boks of all time but more on that in a later post.

Till Later

REM

Im sorry Saru. Really sorry that you think that the new and “revised” Currie Cup format will somehow please us real rugby supporters. There is no logic nor any good explanation why suddenly one of the world’s most celebrated Rugby Tournaments, suddenly have to take the back-seat.

Once again Professionalism has claimed another scalp. Now I am sorry but we all know money is the root of all evil, I mean, I love money, but would never let it come between what I believe is right and what I believe is pure bull crap. We can look at Supersport for example. They paid R700m for the next five years to broadcast Super Rugby. We all know that South Africa has the most support in all games, we attract mostly full house crowds, millions are spent each year on Marketing and Merchandising yet because this whole new format is launched by Australians who doesn’t have a domestic league and New Zealander’s who frankly don’t attract the people and South African’s who will for the sake of money abandon our culture and livelihood.

What makes matters worse is two known elements who I think they have not taken into account:

The inclusion of the Kings who have not even secured a Currie Cup position. Jurie Roux must be having sleepless nights on the issue. Due to politics, they have ensured a spot for themselves, suggesting to take over from the weakest South African team of the previous year, but what would that do to the other union?? Cripple them rather at the expense of a Political Cover up where your skin colour, Political inhibition and greed all take centre stage.

The inclusion of Argentina into the Tri nations. I haven’t heard anything yet but from what I understand is that they will be included soon. Now here I don’t have a problem because they are a decent side, they just need more competition against the big test playing countries. They have decent players in Europe and even the Pampas but what this does bring is a few extra games in a full calender.

My solution will never happen but what I will say is this: Rather dump this Super Rugby crap, bring back the Touring Test and play the Currie Cup to it’s full ability. We owe it to the smaller unions.

The thing that really piss me off is the fact that South African administrators allow their counterparts to walk all over them. We are not the perfect nation between the three but let’s face it who is? We do however bring so much more to the table then both of them combined. We all know that if we pull out, the numbers would crash since they cant’ attract a decent sell out crowd to their “fancy” stadiums.

And if they think they have history and heritage, I will say to them in my best Gatiep impersonation, “Voetstek”

We have history, heritage and pride. We have Loftus, Kings Park and Newlands. We have Brandy & Coke, J&B, Black Label and Castle. We have Boerewors Rolls and Vis en Chips. We have the Springbok, Frik Du Preez, Naas Botha, Andre Joubert, Andre Venter, Gary Teichmann in our past, Patrick Lambie, Lwazi Mvovo, Frans Hougaard and Sias Ebersohn for the future so Voetstek, we don’t need skelms, we will win the World cup and then be the best side ever….

Crickey mate….Jou ma se…..se vi iemand in Mitchells Plain hulle is n meid en jy sal gemoer raak!!

The Crusaders went through to the Semi Finals of the Competition with the help of the ref. Readers of my blog will know that normally I don’t criticize the ref but bloody Jesus!!!

People say we were outplayed in the second half. Yes we were but if any if you, like myself have been on a field, where ridiculous calls were made against you, wouldn’t your plak sak?? Dangerous play??? A clear offside and this within striking distance was a first half full of mistakes by the ref.

Sonny Bill throwing a Ronaldo, diving. WTF???

The real issue here is whether SANZAR will still give this incompetent SOB the Final?? This issue now really outlines the importance of neutral refs. They didn’t have faith in the “Dick” what about those NH refs?? I know they not the perfect subs but I know at least they would have done a far better job. You can guess, I am livid and moerig. Wayne Barnes knows more about rugby then this idiot Bryce Lawrence. If Pro Legoete can be red carded why can’t he???

At the same time I am still proud of my team. No one said it would be easy, and I honestly look forward to the last time the Currie Cup will consist of 8 teams. This year it should like always be a interesting battle. As many are aware, the top 6 teams will contest in the Currie Cup from 2012 and onwards. Is this a good strategy?? I think that Super Rugby has already taken away so much from Rugby in General that it seems that Saru wants to ignore the importance of their oldest Rugby Competition, surely one of the best in the World.

Let’s quickly look at a possible top 6 end of this season, with no team in any particular order:

Sharks

Bulls

WP

Cheetahs

Lions

Let’s say 6^th place heats up and the Kings take 6^th.

What will happen to a team like Griquas who already has limited resources?? We all know how they rely on the CC to carry them through a financial year. This is slowly starting to come down to one thing: Saru letting us down once again. I say scrap Super Rugby, Play Currie Cup and bring back the Touring Test. Problem solved. I am afraid at this rate rugby will deteriorate….oh shit wait..

I am still livid about Bryce. Jou mase herring…

This weekend I truly hope the Stormers beat them, cause from this day forward, all New Zealand teams in my eyes will be a bunch of cheaters.

From a very befokte Sharkie vannie Kaap

Stek

REM

Earlier I was told to post this.  See Post Script.

Let it be known…I was asked to post this. This is something I received last night, actually found it funny. The Author should stay anonimous because a moerse kopklap will come his way.

Blou Bulle

Persoonlikheid:

Jy, as die gemiddelde Bloubul ondersteuner, se IK verskyn agter op die rug van jul kaptein se trui.Saterdae, vir 80 minute lank, roteer een breinsel tussen jou en die 70 000 ander soos jy. “Liefling” en “Bloubul” was vooraf in jou memory chip in geprogrammeer. Jy ry waarskynlik n 4×4, dra “two tone” hemde, PT broeke en rugbykouse. Jou selfoon is waarskynlik groter as jou tottie, maar beslis kleiner as jou snor. Jou bek is die grootste op enige party.

Gunsteling Voertuig:

Enigiets wat duurder as jou buurman s’n is. Waarskynlik n Prado, Mercedes of Audi.

Gunsteling Dop:

Brannas en Castle, want dit maak jou dapper genoeg om jou vrou by die huis te gaan probeer bliksem nadat jou span (alweer) verloor het.

Sharks:

Persoonlikheid:

Jy is n undercover moffie al het jy n vrou en tien kinders. Jou vrou is heel moontlik ook queer of alternatiewelik n “sex change”. Jy dra Raybans en fokken lelike klere. Jy het vasgesteek by Bob Marley en rook steeds boom saam met jou oupa.

Gunsteling Voertuig:

Onder die dekmantel van “karre is wereldsgoed” ry jy alles wat kak is omdat jy niks beter kan bekostig nie.

Gunsteling Dop:

Enigiets wat jy verniet kan kry. Sedert die einde van Lion Ale is jy basies gefok!

Cheetahs:

Persoonlikheid:

Jy gee die konsep “oningelig” n heeltemal nuwe betekenis. Besoekers aan Bloemfontein beland elke keer by die Ford-garage wanneer hulle verwysings vra na die naaste Escort Agency! Die enigste ding platter as jou provinsie se vlaktes is jou kop. Die feit dat jy nog altyd dink dat die “stock” exchange” vendusie krale is, is bewys hiervan.

Gunsteling Voertuig:

Enigiets wat met diesel werk. Jy is diesel-befok. Selfs jou dogter se nuwe vibrator is diesel-aangedrewe.

Gunsteling Dop:

Shooters. Enige shooters. Vandat jou seun op Tukkies studeer, het shooters veld gewen in jou provinsie.

Stormers:

Persoonlikheid:

Die enigste organisme meer arrogant as jy, word nog ontwikkel. Jy verkeer skynbaar onder die indurk dat alle lede van homo-sapiens moerse beindruk is met n platberg, suurwyn en vrot snoek. Jou “laidback” lewensstyl is jou verskoning om luigatgeit te regverdig. Jou idee van “foreplay” is n losskrum.

Gunsteling Voertuig:

Iets met wiele, maar verkieslik ronde wiele.

Gunsteling Dop:

Met die koms van Tik is dop nie meer belangrik nie, maar op die fly sal jy waarskynlik n paar mondevol bloutrein bitter moeilik kan weerstaan.

Leeus:

Persoonlikheid:

Jou oumagrootjie was die eerste prostituut op die Johannesburgse goudvelde. Jy gaan kyk net rugby op Ellispark as jou span wen. Ellispark is dus n uiters vreemde planeet vir jou. Anders as anders spanne se ondersteuners moer jy jou vrou wanneer jou span wen. Dus is jou uitgebreide familie reeds vyf geslagte sonder vroueslaners.

Gunsteling Voertuig:

Enigiets wat maklik gesteel kan word

Gunsteling Dop

Vodka, Black Label en Cutex remover.

PS: This is in no way the views of the writer. Maa I do agree die original ou wat die kak geskryf het moet gemoer word. Is kinda funny though lol.

REM

Last week we were up against it. But with our back against the wall and the firm title of underdog we pulled it through. This week, same story, different day. I have read Mark Andrews say that the Loftus battle took too much out of the guys. Rightly so, but they are paid to do this week in week out. There is also the travelling issue and again rightly so but there is pride and that is one thing the boys has to remember.

I don’t know how many of you read Alistair Hargreaves’ column on Sport24. I must say that the man can write. Now compare his and Breyton Paulse’s post to “seasoned” writer Gary Boshoff and you can see that these guys tell it like it is, Gary has always attracted attention for the wrong reason, now blaming the ref.

I don’t honestly care if the Vodacom Cup Sharks team was playing the Crusaders this weekend. I will still support my team. Deep down I have a feeling that they can pull of a miracle win, stranger things have happened and rugby as we know is a funny game. For the first time in its history, the Sharks will have the support of the entire country. Well except those pesky All Black supporters in Cape Town. I don’t care what happens, my heart will always be with the Sharks. After that it is Springboks. Now there we still have loads to discuss, then again as I said on Frisbee’s blog, we will never be satisfied, and that is the one big problem provincialism brings to the table, favouritism.

Anyway I will be on duty tomorrow, luckily we have the equipment to broadcast the game live in HD. My Sharks flag is already displayed in the showroom, and why not. This is yet another reason to be proudly South African. The Stormers will be enjoying their bye weekend, let’s face it, they deserved it. They will follow the rugby closely to see who their opponents will be next week at Newlands…

Talking about Newlands. Anyone going to the game?? I might not be a Stormers supporter but I do support South Africa. I should be receiving my tickets for next Saturday tonight, will keep you updated. Maybe we can get together somewhere, maybe do something mad. I dunno, it’s just a suggestion.

I saw the team of the Sharks. Very nice feel to it. Hope they can pull it off. Enjoy the weekend my peeps, remember, safe driving, tip your waiter and don’t forget to support your local Tops@Spar.

Till we chat again

REM

N Moerse kopklap I believe is what they call it. Jaco told me to never say that name again or I would be stripped of my Blue Bull loyalties. I was still baffled on our way back home he explained once again why Luke Watson pissed so many people off. “Hy het eers gefok met ons way of Life bru, ons is trots op ons nageslag en as ek die donner moet kry gee ek hom een donnerse klap. Ons sien dit as n spul snert. Wat het ons voorvaders gedoen om hom so af te pis? Wat het ons gedoen, ek jy, ons ouers? Kan ons help dat die Dutchmen beter spelers lewer as daai ouens in QwaQwa? Ek’s nie rassis nie bru maar ek support my Bokke en as n ou soos JP die Bokke kan maak op meriete is ek bly.”

I knew now that this was more a question of pride rather then hating the man. And Jaco was right, no man should ever put a price on the principles of Springbok rugby. Fast forward to Saturday where the Bulls was hosting the Sharks at a packed Loftus.

I was given my rugby gear. Normally in my Sharks Gap, I would have a shirt, a cap and that’s it. Here however your Gear for War was much more complicated. You would wear a very tight Blue Bull Shirt, a Construction Helmet with two massive horns on the side as well as a Nose Ring, Wellington VO Brandy, Olof Berg Brandy Biltong and 6 Black Labels, all well packed inside a Blue Cooler Bag.

The trip to Loftus is also a very daunting task. There is cars pulled on the side of the road, with people braaing where ever they can, darn it Cadac must be making a fortune on the amount of Portable Braai’s I have seen.

I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. How can I cheer against the team I love? What would give me enough motivation to shout for the Bulls? Well where we were seated there was about 5 000 BB fans, Dutchmen of such and I didn’t see myself getting moered over rugby of all things.

The game was played at a fanatical pace. When Stef scored all I heard was swearing. When the Bulls got back just before Half time, cheers aplenty. It seems that every player had a nick name, Meisiekind(Olivier), Tottie(Hougaard), Oom(Bakkies), Spenner(Spies) and even Blote Formaliteit(Steyn). Fast forward another 40 minutes and suddenly the Sharks crowd was busy making a scene. They deserved this win. All I could hear from my Dutchmen was Mase *((&^ en N@#$&.

Suddenly all of this became clear. It struck me as a bombshell. South African rugby fans was bred in Pretoria because out of the Blue came the Green and now they all had a good reason to pull on their Green and Gold. I could see that these people were passionate and you can’t deviate from the fact that all SA supporters are like this but these okes take it to the extreme. They were drowning their sorrows, singing Liefling, crying, holding each other. They knew their team was out and that now the real building process starts over. Pretoria will be quiet for a while….

And that is when I woke up from my nightmare. I woke up, with the Bottle of Scotch in the hand, still lekke gesuip, still remembering how the Sharks played a very good game. I think now I can understand to a certain extent, why Bulls fans are mad, they are bred in a factory in Centurion.