Conrad Jantjes' Perfect XV as selected for SA Rugby magazine

Former Springbok and Stormers fullback Conrad Jantjes picks a team of the best he has played with and against.

15 Christian Cullen
One of my idols growing up. The first time I played against him, I tackled him and told him, ‘Yes, I got you,’ which was a bit embarrassing.

14 Tonderai Chavhanga
One of the quickest players I have ever played with and against. Watching him run was a thing of beauty.

13 Jaque Fourie
The ultimate team man. Never a dull moment with him around. He always made things happen on attack and defence.

12 Japie Mulder
Hard as nails. He knew how to get you up for a game. He showed me it’s OK to have a ‘chat’ with the opposition on the field.

11 Jonah Lomu
I don’t have to say much about the human wrecking ball. The first time I played against him was at a sevens tournament as a 19-year-old.

10 Jonny Wilkinson
A fullback’s nightmare. He could kick equally well off both feet. I never felt I was in position against him because he would always find space.

9 George Gregan
I got to play against him when I was starting out. He taught me about mental strength. He loved having ‘chats’ on the rugby field. A good guy off the field too.

8 Jerry Collins
The Grim Reaper. If I was running at Jerry, I would say the Lord’s Prayer. I felt each and every hit.

7 Richie McCaw
A real pest (in the nicest way). You always had to be on the lookout for him. A bloody good man.

6 Schalk Burger
A terror on the field and one of the nicest guys off it. He could do everything, make a monster hit and kick a 30m torpedo.

5 Victor Matfield
With him in my team, I would be calling a backline move knowing there’s a good chance of us stealing the opposition lineout.

4 Bakkies Botha
Hated playing against him, but loved having him in my team. Playing against the Bulls, I would put my head in the ruck hoping Bakkies wasn’t near. He once taught me about art on a day off in Scotland.