Former Springbok and Stormers fullback Conrad Jantjes picks a team of the best he has played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.
15 Christian Cullen
One of my idols growing up. The first time I played against him, I tackled him and told him, ‘Yes, I got you’, which was a bit embarrassing.
14 Tonderai Chavhanga
One of the quickest players I have ever played with and against. Watching him run was a thing of beauty.
13 Jaque Fourie
The ultimate team man. Never a dull moment with him around. He always made things happen on attack and defence.
12 Japie Mulder
Hard as nails. He knew how to get you up for a game. He showed me it’s OK to have a ‘chat’ with the opposition on the field.
11 Jonah Lomu
I don’t have to say much about the human wrecking ball. The first time I played against him was at a sevens tournament as a 19-year-old.
10 Jonny Wilkinson
A fullback’s nightmare. He could kick equally well off both feet. I never felt I was in position against him because he would always find space.
9 George Gregan
I got to play against him when I was starting out. He taught me about mental strength. He loved having ‘chats’ on the rugby field. A good guy off the field, too.
8 Jerry Collins
The Grim Reaper. If I was running at Jerry, I would say the Lord’s Prayer. I felt each and every hit.
7 Richie McCaw
A real pest (in the nicest way). You always had to be on the lookout for him. A bloody good man.
6 Schalk Burger
A terror on the field and one of the nicest guys off it. He could do everything, make a monster hit and kick a 30-metre torpedo.
5 Victor Matfield
With him in my team, I would be calling a backline move knowing there’s a good chance of us stealing the opposition lineout.
4 Bakkies Botha
Hated playing against him, but loved having him in my team. Playing against the Bulls, I would put my head in the ruck hoping Bakkies wasn’t near. He once taught me about art on a day off in Scotland.
3 CJ van der Linde
One of the quickest props around during my time. I watched in awe as he ran 50m plus against the Crusaders.
2 John Smit (c)
My captain. He always knew what to say to get the best out of me.
1 Os du Randt
Besides doing his job in the scrums, he would be all over the field in general play.
