The former Sharks and Springbok wing selects a team of the best he played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.

15. ISRAEL FOLAU
Solid in the air, good with the boot, and when he runs back with the ball he beats the first defender.

14. AKONA NDUNGANE
Clinical finisher and solid in the air. Did very well for the Bulls and when the opportunities were there, he scored.

13. ADI JACOBS
The most underrated centre in South Africa in terms of his skill and ability to put players into gaps.

12. JEAN DE VILLIERS
Had good skills and all you need from a 12. He and Butch James complemented each other so well.

11. LOTE TUQIRI
He was a beast. I played against him when I was starting out and it was always a nightmare.

10. BUTCH JAMES
Butch was outstanding. His combination with Fourie du Preez was key to us winning the 2007 World Cup.

9. FOURIE DU PREEZ
Fourie’s kicking game was spot-on and his pass crisp. He has an incredible rugby brain.

8. KIERAN READ
He’s played 109 Tests for the All Blacks, which says a lot. A solid eighthman and brilliant leader.

7. WILLEM ALBERTS
A solid ball-carrier, very good defensively and a strong lineout jumper.

6. KEEGAN DANIEL
Keegan proved he has the heart and the mind to play and perform. He can play No 6, 7 and 8.

5. SAM WHITELOCK
It’s a tight call between him and Victor Matfield. Whitelock adds a lot of value around the park and has great skills.

4. BAKKIES BOTHA
An out-and-out No 4 lock who enjoyed hitting rucks, making tackles and carrying the ball.

3. JOHN SMIT (c)
Outstanding leader. He was a hooker but did well at tighthead prop.

2. BISMARCK DU PLESSIS
His lineouts were good, ball-carrying excellent and he was strong on the ground. A complete player.

1. BEAST MTAWARIRA
Beast carries the ball well and gives so much defensively. He is very strong for a loosehead; we’ve seen how long he can hold a man in the air.

In the next issue of SA Rugby magazine: JOHN SMIT’s Perfect XV

Photo: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP Photo