Top 12 South Africa Players: The Best of the Best to Wear the Springboks Jersey
South Africa has produced some of the greatest rugby players in history, thanks to their record of four Rugby World Cup victories. Here are the top 12 Springbok players of all time (in alphabetical order):
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1. Schalk Burger
An all-action loose forward and 2007 World Cup winner, Burger was known for his fearless tackling and inspirational comebacks from injury. He ended his career at Saracens, helping them to a double win in 2019.
2. Bryan Habana
With 67 tries in 124 caps, Habana is one of the greatest wings ever. His lightning speed and try-scoring record, including the most tries in a single World Cup, make him a Springbok legend.
3. André Joubert
The 1995 World Cup-winning fullback was known as “the Rolls-Royce of fullbacks” for his elegant running and technical skill. He played the World Cup final with a broken hand.
4. Siya Kolisi
South Africa’s first Black captain and a two-time World Cup winner, Kolisi is a global icon. A powerful back-row forward and inspirational leader, he has redefined what it means to wear the jersey.
5. Victor Matfield
The most-capped Springbok ever (127 caps), Matfield’s mastery in the lineout and his all-around play made him a dominant force in the second row.
6. Tendai Mtawarira (“Beast”)
A fan favorite and the most capped Springbok prop, Mtawarira was a powerful scrummager and explosive ball carrier. He retired after the 2019 World Cup win.
7. Fourie du Preez
One of the best scrum-halves ever, du Preez was known for his elite distribution, tactical kicking, and big defensive hits. A 2007 World Cup winner.
8. Os du Randt
A double World Cup winner (1995, 2007), Os was a dominant loosehead prop whose strength and surprising agility set him apart.
9. John Smit
Another World Cup-winning captain (2007), Smit was a top-class hooker who could also play prop. His leadership and lineout accuracy were key to the Springboks’ success.
10. Pieter-Steph du Toit
2019 World Player of the Year and a relentless tackler, du Toit has battled back from career-threatening injury to remain a force in the back row.
11. Joost van der Westhuizen
A trailblazing scrum-half, Joost’s powerful frame and 38 career tries remain unmatched at his position. He became a symbol of courage during his battle with motor neurone disease.
12. Chester Williams
A 1995 World Cup hero and symbol of post-apartheid South Africa, Williams scored 14 tries in 27 tests and was a beloved figure in rugby history.
