The 53-Test former Springbok No 8 names his Perfect XV made up of the best he played with or against.
15. FRANS STEYN
Frans can kick the ball a mile. He’s a brilliant ball-carrier with an exceptional pass and a no-nonsense mindset.
14. BEN SMITH
Ben wasn’t the biggest or quickest, but he was an amazing all-round player who scored many tries while also creating a bunch.
13. CONRAD SMITH
A very tough competitor and skilled in every aspect, had a low error-rate and made everyone around him better.
12. MATT GITEAU
An experienced campaigner with a brilliant all-round skill set, Giteau was very influential.
11. BRYAN HABANA
Bryan’s try-scoring record speaks for itself. He won so many games through X-factor moments and had an amazing attitude.
10. JONNY WILKINSON
My childhood hero. While I only played against him once, to me he was the greatest!
9. FOURIE DU PREEZ
Fourie has an unbelievable rugby brain. His excellent decision-making won many games for the Bulls and Boks.
8. KIERAN READ
Skilled in every aspect, he was consistently the best No 8 in the world. A great man off the pitch, too.
7. RICHIE McCAW
He was hugely influential and a workhorse, with a Test record that speaks for itself.
6. DAVID POCOCK
The best fetcher I’ve played against; strong and influential.
5. VICTOR MATFIELD (c)
He was a brilliant leader, a lineout specialist, extremely fit and mentally strong.
4. BAKKIES BOTHA
The enforcer in full force is unmatched. Opponents could feel that they had played against Bakkies!
3. CARL HAYMAN
A mountain of a man at tighthead and an amazing scrummager.
2. BISMARCK DU PLESSIS
Bissie is like a fourth loose forward. He’s fit, strong, a great stealer, brilliant at lineout throws and a solid scrummager.
1. OS DU RANDT
Os was hard as a rock, a solid scrummager, good defender and good ball-carrier.
