Former Lions loose forward Cobus ‘Baywatch’ Grobbelaar names the team of the best he’s played with and against.
15 Chris Latham
At 1.92m and 100kg, he was hefty in the collision and handy under high, hanging kicks. His own kicking game was spectacular.
14 Doug Howlett
He was a very talented, perfect all-round wing with the versatility of being a dangerous fullback.
13 Jaque Fourie
Midfield mastermind, he ran great attacking lines and had the ability to organise a solid defensive wall.
12 Ma’a Nonu
Get your mouthguard factory fitted, because this guy can run hard lines when you are defending his channel.
11 Bryan Habana
Well known for his speed and scoring tries but his work off the ball made him a great player.
10 Stephen Larkham
He had the ability to make you feel like you are playing against 16 players.
9 Fourie du Preez
His accuracy in every facet of being a No 9 made him such a great player.
8 Rassie Erasmus
I only caught him at the end of his playing career but still an amazing player, who had the ability to outsmart and outplay most youngsters at that time.
7 Juan Smith
The ideal blindside flank for any team. Great on defence, difficult to stop with ball in hand and outstanding option when it comes to the lineout.
6 Schalk Burger
I would also pick George Smith and Richie McCaw. It’s impossible to pick one, they were all just too good to separate.
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5 Chris Jack
Dominated the No 5 jersey for the Crusaders and the All Blacks in his time. He had some great skills with a really good all-round game.
4 Wikus van Heerden (c)
This is not his first-choice position, I know, but you have to make place for him in your team. He is an all-time great in my books.
3 Marius Hurter
The only player always with a smile on his face, even when his teammate knocked the ball on. He loved scrumming! He would tell you, ‘Just give me the hit, then you can watch the No 8’.
2 Schalk Brits
He ran like a wing, stepped like a centre and passed like a flyhalf. The ability to play in the backline but a clever player like him had to play in the forward pack. Great talent!
1 Os du Randt
Avoid his channel at all costs!
Photo: Gallo Images