The former Bok loose forward selects a team of the best he played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.
15. ANDRÉ JOUBERT
There is only one ‘Rolls’. I was lucky enough to play my first Test with the great man, but it would sadly turn out to be his last.
14. BRYAN HABANA
He glided over the field almost effortlessly, but with searing pace. A true professional and phenomenal athlete.
13. JAQUE FOURIE
At 105kg, Jaque had a real midfield presence. Defensive organisation and communication were his big strengths.
12. TIM HORAN
Horan was such an intelligent player, with pace and skills to pay the bills.
11. JONAH LOMU
The toughest man to tackle in world rugby. Big, strong and fast.
10. HENRY HONIBALL
Not many loose forwards liked to run into Lem’s channel, let alone the flyhalves of his era!
9. FOURIE DU PREEZ
Fourie was an intelligent player with an almost supernatural ability to be in the right place at the right time.
8. ZINZAN BROOKE
A classy player who appeared to have all the time in the world. He even had time to knock over a drop goal!
7. SCHALK BURGER
Heyneke Meyer called him the ‘yster’ [iron] in the pack, which is an apt description for a hard, skilful man.
6. MICHAEL JONES
The ‘Iceman’ was the precursor to the modern-day fetcher.
5. VICTOR MATFIELD
Victor was an absolute student of the lineout.
4. MARK ANDREWS
An athlete with an incredible physical presence on the field and in command at two in the lineout. He also cleaned rucks with venom and had unbelievable ball skills.
3. RICHARD BANDS
He was an incredible runner with the ball and very strong at the basics. His explosiveness was a thing of beauty.
2. BISMARCK DU PLESSIS
Bismarck is extremely powerful at the scrum. He has attitude, an exceptional carry and is a good ball-stealer.
1. OLLIE LE ROUX
Ollie was very strong at the scrum, carried the ball well and had good ball-handling skills.