The former Bok loose forward selects a team of the best he played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.

15. BEN SMITH
Ben is a solid fullback, who’s brilliant on attack.

14. JP PIETERSEN
An amazing guy, on and off the field, and one of the best finishers in the world.

13. JAQUE FOURIE
A great finisher, who was brilliant on defence. One of the best players South Africa has ever produced.

12. FRANS STEYN
Frans is one of the strongest players I ever played with.

11. BRYAN HABANA
Bryan was one of the best finishers of all time.

10. DAN CARTER
Dan is and will remain the best No 10 for many years. It looked like he had so much time and he always looked in control.

9. FOURIE DU PREEZ
The best scrumhalf the Springboks have had. An extremely smart player too.

8. JEROME KAINO
I played against him throughout my entire career. He’s an unbelievably hardworking player.

7. JUAN SMITH
The hard man of rugby. It’s unbelievable what he managed to achieve.

6. GEORGE SMITH
The original fetcher. He’s brilliant at what he’s done for so many years.

5. VICTOR MATFIELD (c)
The best No 5 lock in the world and his combination with Bakkies ruled for many years.

4. BAKKIES BOTHA
He demanded respect on the field. His presence and work rate off the ball were massive.

3. JANNIE DU PLESSIS
An unbelievable scrummager and completed this great front row. They were the best for many years.

2. BISMARCK DU PLESSIS
An absolute tank of a player on attack and defence. Massive in the lineouts and scrums.

1. BEAST MTAWARIRA
No 1 on the field and No 1 in my heart.

Photo: Gallo Images