Top 10 of Everything Rugby by Exisle Book

Author:Exisle Book
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gregor Paul

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South Africa

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10 best players

Frik du Preez (1961–1971)

Frik du Preez was versatile way before players were encouraged to be versatile. He was equally comfortable at flanker or lock, and just as happy dropping goals as he was making tackles and cleaning bodies out the way. A freakish all-rounder who was blessed with innate rugby skills.

Hennie Muller (1949–1953)

There is no bigger tribute to Hennie Muller than the fact that more than 50 years after his last test, youngsters around the world are subjected to ‘Hennie Muller’s’ in pre-season training. This is a lung-bursting sprint session that Muller supposedly invented to establish himself as the best No 8 in world rugby. He was extraordinarily fit, playing with his head up and incredible anticipation.

Bryan Habana (2004–)

An IRB Player of the Year and World Cup medal winner, Bryan Habana has the silverware to justify his reputation as one of the deadliest wings. Terrifyingly quick and alive to the intercept, Habana was a supreme finisher in his early years, becoming a better all-round player as he matured.

Bernie Osler (1924–1933)

If anyone wants to know why the Boks have been able to produce generations of technically proficient fly-halves with booming kicking games, the answer lies with the excellence of Bernie Osler. He was the original kicking No 10 and nudged his team around the fields of the UK in 1931 and 1932, when the Boks collected a Grand Slam.

Francois Pienaar (1993–1996)

Francois Pienaar is recognised more for his contribution as captain than player. He led the Boks to World Cup victory in 1995 in a campaign made famous by the film Invictus. The fact that Pienaar was played by Hollywood star Matt Damon is the ultimate accolade: the Bok captain was an inspiration to his team and nation during his tenure.

Danie Gerber (1980–1992)

Unfortunate to have been at his prime when the Boks were in isolation, Danie Gerber would otherwise have been recognised more widely than he was. A stunning hat-trick against England best illustrated all that he was: forceful, direct, elusive and dangerous.

Joost van der Westhuizen (1993–2003)

Quick enough to play on the wing (as he originally did), and big enough and strong enough to play in the back row, it was never possible for any team to take their eyes off Joost van der Westhuizen when he was at scrum-half for the Boks. He scored memorable solo tries and was the tactical general for a decade. One of the great scrum-halves.

Morné du Plessis (1971–1980)

Morné du Plessis is still widely viewed as the best captain the Boks ever had. He was a thoughtful, intelligent operator whose measured opinions earned him huge respect as well as the role of Springboks manager for their 1995 World Cup campaign.

Victor Matfield (2001–2011)

Few would dispute that the Springbok lock Victor Matfield was the best lineout operator in history. No one studied the lineout in as much depth, and Matfield reaped his rewards. He hardly ever lost his own ball and frequently stole possession. He was more than just an aerial player, however.

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