Former Cheetahs and Bulls flyhalf Kennedy Tsimba picked a team of the best he played with and against for SA Rugby magazine.
15 Cecil Afrika
You constantly hope the opposition will kick to him, so you can marvel at the art of a confident counter-attack. It is poetry in motion.
14 Victor Olonga
Africa’s ‘Prince of Wings’, he had speed, skills and was a great reader of the game. One of Zimbabwe’s finest talents.
13 Conrad Smith
Fundamentally, he was the perfect 13. Any centre who takes us out on the town after we beat them makes my team.
12 Etienne Botha
The most confident and skilful player I played alongside. He was a top-class teammate who made us all feel welcome.
11 Bryan Habana
If ever there was a playmaking wing, he was it. You just had to give him the ball and admire what would follow. He was phenomenal.
10 Dan Carter
One of the most difficult opponents I faced. The questions he asked were of such a variety you just could not strategise for them. The complete flyhalf in all departments.
9 Fourie du Preez
An extremely good decision-maker with a pass I could take flat or deep. A flyhalf’s dream.
8 Rassie Erasmus (c)
One of the most intelligent players I played with. His micro skills within the game were off the charts. He has an unbelievable understanding of all aspects of the game.
7 Juan Smith
Had the privilege of playing with Juan in his breakthrough year in 2003. He was a complete modern-day flank. Way ahead of his time.
6 Andre Venter
If you want to read up on what the perfect blindside flank would be, ‘Mnr Fiksheid’ (Mr Fitness) would be the example.
5 Victor Matfield
The best lineout exponent I have seen at work. Every ball was ours, whether it was their throw or ours. He was great in the loose, too.
4 Bakkies Botha
Any lock who has his flyhalf’s back is good for me.
3 Dougie Heymans
Looking at him, you wouldn’t say he is a scrumming prop, but the stories of his prowess are all absolutely true.
2 Hanyani Shimange
A skilful, physical hooker who also loved running off your shoulder for trick plays.
1 Gurthro Steenkamp
There is nothing better than a rampaging prop when you are looking to play running rugby.
