In our continued ‘blast from the past’ series, we look back at the legendary Springbok second-row combination of Victor Matfied and Bakkies Botha that will surely never be surpassed.

Has there been a more effective and world-renowned combination than that of Matfield and Botha? The answer is surely no.

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In our series looking back at past Springbok combinations, there is no pairing that can lay claim to the record that these two giants of world rugby hold.

The duo started in a whopping 63 Tests together, won a litany of historic titles together at Springbok and Vodacom Bulls level, while becoming renowned as one of the most formidable combinations to ever grace a rugby field.

To put this in perspective as we look down the list: Mark Andrews and Krynauw Otto ran out together in 25 internationals, while the modern-day duo of Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager have started in 22 Tests in the second row.

Nothing really compares to the mastery of Botha and Matfield, who locked down together for over a decade.

Take a look at some of the highlights from their careers and then let us know in the comments section what some of your best memories of these two Bok greats are.