After barging Butch James out of the spotlight, Frans Malherbe now faces the next challenger in the series to determine the most unheralded Springbok.

Malherbe won 66% of the vote in last week’s tussle with James, who previously stole the headlines from Albert van den Berg.

Now, Malherbe faces Danie Rossouw, who is most well known for his famous try-saving tackle in the 2007 World Cup final, but whose athleticism, power and versatility made him a tireless performer for the Boks.

His steadfast role at No 8 at the tournament in France came after Pierre Spies was ruled out, and epitomised his ability to play across the loose trio and in the second row – he started 14 of his 63 Tests at lock.

By 2007, Rossouw was already in his late 20s but would also fulfil an important impact role off the bench in the first two victorious Tests against the British & Irish Lions in 2009.

His swansong on the Test stage came at the 2011 World Cup – his third appearance at the global showpiece – with the then 33-year-old starting five games in the second row.

Besides his formidable defending, Rossouw was an effective ball-carrier who also won a Tri-Nations, three Currie Cups and three Super Rugby titles with the Vodacom Bulls, as well as a Heineken Cup and French Top 14 title with Toulon.

ICYMI – Unsung Hero: Butch, Frans battle for the spotlight