The former Springbok wing selects a team of the best he played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.
15. JASON ROBINSON
Deadly with ball in hand, he could create space from anywhere if teams kicked poorly on him.
14. ODWA NDUNGANE
Odwa was a good finisher. He could also play fullback, which helped him read the game well from the back.
13. JAQUE FOURIE
A great communicator, which helped the players around him make good decisions with or without the ball. He was great at making the right calls on defence.
12. TANA UMAGA
Tana was able to create space for his outside backs and could play elsewhere in the backline.
11. BRYAN HABANA
He was a great finisher and had electrifying speed.
10. DAN CARTER
Carter knows when to kick or run the ball and has great vision, which allows him to spot space and attack it. He’s an outstanding goal-kicker, too.
9. FOURIE DU PREEZ
Fourie had an excellent kicking game, which helped to take the pressure off his flyhalf.
8. BOB SKINSTAD
He was a skilful, quick No 8, who linked well with his backline.
7. JUAN SMITH
One of Juan’s strengths was carrying the ball over the advantage line and he was really good on defence.
6. RICHIE McCAW
McCaw was devastating on the ground, knowing when to go for the ball and when to leave it. He was also a great leader.
5. VICTOR MATFIELD
There was no one better than him in the world when it came to lineouts.
4. BAKKIES BOTHA
Bakkies was an enforcer. With him in your team, you knew you would get quick ruck ball.
3. OWEN FRANKS
Franks helps his team get a solid base from scrums from which to attack. He is also a solid defender.
2. JOHN SMIT (c)
One of the best captains I played alongside.
1. OS DU RANDT
Os was solid at the scrum, but also very good at carrying the ball over the advantage line.
Next issue of SA Rugby magazine: Akona Ndungane’s Perfect XV
Photo: Barrington Coombs/Getty Images
