South African rugby has a storied history, and its flankers have consistently been at the forefront of the action. These dynamic players have made their mark on the game with their tenacity, work rate, and ability to disrupt the opposition’s plans. In this article, we’ll delve into the careers of the ten best South African flankers of all time, highlighting their physical attributes, career statistics, standout moments, and the qualities that made them truly exceptional.
- Schalk Burger
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)
- Weight: 16st 7lb (105 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Stormers, Saracens
- International Appearances: 86 caps for South Africa
- Rugby World Cup Win: 2007
Best Moments:
- Burger’s impact in the 2007 Rugby World Cup was monumental, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.
- His ability to disrupt opposition ball at the breakdown and his tireless work rate were hallmarks of his career.
What Made Him Special:
- Schalk Burger was renowned for his tenacity and fearless approach to the game.
- His leadership on and off the field made him a respected figure in South African rugby.
- Francois Pienaar
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’3″ (191 cm)
- Weight: 16st (102 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Western Province, Saracens
- International Appearances: 29 caps for South Africa
- Rugby World Cup Win: 1995
Best Moments:
- Pienaar’s leadership as captain in the 1995 Rugby World Cup was pivotal, culminating in South Africa’s historic win.
- His ability to win turnovers and lead by example made him a standout player.
What Made Him Special:
- Francois Pienaar’s intelligence on the field and his ability to read the game were exceptional.
- He embodied the spirit of unity and reconciliation during South Africa’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 1995.
- Juan Smith
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’5″ (196 cm)
- Weight: 17st 5lb (110 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Cheetahs, Toulon
- International Appearances: 70 caps for South Africa
Best Moments:
- Smith’s performances in the 2007 Rugby World Cup were instrumental in South Africa’s victory.
- His lineout ability, ball-carrying prowess, and relentless tackling made him a complete flanker.
What Made Him Special:
- Juan Smith’s versatility allowed him to excel at both blindside and openside flank positions.
- He possessed remarkable athleticism, which made him a valuable asset in the lineout and in open play.
- André Venter
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’5″ (196 cm)
- Weight: 17st 5lb (110 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Cheetahs, Leinster, Free State Cheetahs
- International Appearances: 66 caps for South Africa
Best Moments:
- Venter’s presence in the Springbok pack during the late 1990s and early 2000s was crucial to their success.
- His physicality and breakdown skills made him a constant menace to opposing teams.
What Made Him Special:
- André Venter was a workhorse in the loose, tirelessly contributing in both attack and defense.
- His fearless approach to the game and exceptional tackling made him a formidable presence.
- Faf de Klerk
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
- Weight: 12st 8lb (80 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Sale Sharks, Lions, Pumas
- International Appearances: Over 30 caps for South Africa
- Rugby World Cup Win: 2019
Best Moments:
- De Klerk’s energetic and combative style of play earned him a reputation as a modern-day openside flanker.
- His performances in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, particularly against England in the final, were exceptional.
What Made Him Special:
- Faf de Klerk’s relentless work rate, speed, and ability to disrupt opposition ball made him a unique flanker.
- He broke the mold of traditional flankers, excelling as a scrum-half and becoming a key figure in the Springbok squad.
- André Joubert
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 14st 6lb (92 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Sharks, Western Province
- International Appearances: 34 caps for South Africa
Best Moments:
- Joubert’s performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup were pivotal in South Africa’s championship win.
- His ability to join the backline and make scything runs from fullback set him apart.
What Made Him Special:
- André Joubert’s versatility and attacking prowess made him a constant threat in open play.
- He was known for his exceptional handling skills and his ability to create try-scoring opportunities.
- Uli Schmidt
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
- Weight: 15st 8lb (99 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Western Province, Western Suburbs (Australia)
- International Appearances: 38 caps for South Africa
Best Moments:
- Schmidt was a stalwart in the Springbok pack during the 1980s, earning a reputation as a ferocious tackler.
- His performances against the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions are memorable highlights of his career.
What Made Him Special:
- Uli Schmidt’s relentless work rate and uncompromising physicality made him a feared presence on the field.
- He was a key figure in South Africa’s dominance during his era.
- Heinrich Brüssow
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 15st 6lb (98 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Cheetahs, Bulls, NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes
- International Appearances: Over 20 caps for South Africa
Best Moments:
- Brüssow’s ability to pilfer opposition ball at the breakdown made him a standout openside flanker.
- His performance in the 2009 British and Irish Lions series, particularly in the third Test, showcased his exceptional skills.
What Made Him Special:
- Heinrich Brüssow’s uncanny ability to win turnovers and disrupt opposition attacks was unmatched.
- He possessed remarkable agility and speed for a flanker, allowing him to cover ground quickly.
- Jaco Reinach
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 14st 3lb (91 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Sharks, Northampton Saints
- International Appearances: Over 15 caps for South Africa
- Rugby World Cup Win: 2019
Best Moments:
- Reinach’s impact as a replacement during the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Japan, where he scored a hat-trick in just 11 minutes, is a standout moment.
- His electric pace and ability to exploit opposition defenses made him a game-changer.
What Made Him Special:
- Jaco Reinach’s speed and finishing ability set him apart as a unique attacking flanker.
- He could turn a game on its head with his blistering pace and clinical try-scoring.
- Hennie Muller
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 15st 10lb (99 kg)
Career Stats:
- Clubs: Transvaal, Western Transvaal
- International Appearances: 13 caps for South Africa
Best Moments:
- Muller’s leadership as captain during the 1951-52 Springbok tour of the British Isles and France is legendary.
- His influence on and off the field helped South Africa secure historic victories.
What Made Him Special:
- Hennie Muller’s leadership, work ethic, and physicality were hallmarks of his game.
- He was a pioneer in South African rugby, earning a reputation as one of the country’s greatest ever players.
Conclusion
The legacy of South African flankers is steeped in tenacity, leadership, and excellence. From Schalk Burger’s fearless approach to François Pienaar’s historic captaincy, Juan Smith’s versatility to Faf de Klerk’s modern adaptation of the role, these players have showcased the rich diversity of skills and attributes within the flanker position.
Their performances in the green and gold have not only inspired their country but have left an indelible mark on the global rugby stage. These exceptional flankers embodied the spirit of South African rugby and continue to be celebrated as legends of the sport.
