The former Sharks, Kings and Oyonnax lock’s team of the best he played alongside and against.

15 Stefan Terblanche
He was the safest player at the back in the air and on defence. He was also a great leader at the back.

14 Bryan Habana
The best finisher to play the game. He had a great work ethos and was great under the high ball and the kick chase.

13 Brian O’Driscoll
A great rugby player, who was excellent on attack and defence. One of the best to play the game.

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12 Frans Steyn
Big, strong and always gets you over the advantage line. He is like having an extra flyhalf on the field and he poses a massive threat with his boot.

11 JP Pietersen
Always-in-your-face type of player. He was also a great finisher with that long stride of his.

10 Freddie Michalak
He controlled the game and his pack of forwards very well. A magician with the skills he had.

9 Fourie du Preez
The best rugby brain I have played against, just an all-round great player.

8 Duane Vermeulen
A big ball-carrier and defender, Duane is not scared of contact and will always look to dominate that area of the game.

7 Juan Smith
He was a great lineout option, strong ball-carrier and one of the hardest players I ran into.

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6 Heinrich Brussow
The best fetcher I played alongside and against. He had a big work rate.

5 Johann Muller
A workhorse who was also very clever at lineout time. Johann was not scared of contact and putting his body on the line.

4 Bakkies Botha
He had a presence on the field and could put in a massive shift for his body size. He was big in the contact area and a master of the dark arts.

3 Mike Ross
Solid as a rock on the right side of the scrum. He always got his shoulder on his opposite number.

2 John Smit
He was great in the lineout as his throwing was often on point. John was a strong scrummager and the best leader I’ve had the honour of playing alongside.

1 Deon Carstens
A very good loosehead. He always just wanted the hit and was great around the rucks with the pick-and-go. A great team man; every team should have a Carstens.

Photo: Gallo Images